April 19, 2013
BRITISH TROOPS FIRED ON MILITIA IN LEXINGTON, MASSACHUSETTS 238 YEARS AGO
Lexington, Massachusetts (JFK+50) A force of more than 700 British Regulars arrived at the town of Lexington outside Boston, Massachusetts this morning about 5 o'clock.
They found a group of about 70 local armed militia lined up on the village green.
Captain of the militia, John Parker, had given his men this command:
"Don't fire unless fired upon, but if they mean to have a war, let it begin here!"
John Parker Statue
Lexington, Massachusetts
British Major John Pitcairn demanded the colonials to disperse but in the process a shot was fired.
The source of the shot was unknown.
This was followed by a volley and then bayonet charge by the Regulars.
8 colonials were killed with 10 more wounded.
The British regulars reformed and marched on to Concord where they occupied the town.
The Concord militia took up positions on Punkatasset Hill on the opposite side of the Old North Bridge.
When smoke came from the town, the militia, fearing the burning of Concord, launched an attack on the North Bridge.
British Lt. Col. Francis Smith ordered his troops to march back to Boston, about 16 miles distant.
On their return, His Majesty's troops were harassed by militia from throughout New England.*
*The Battles of Lexington and Concord marked the beginning of the American War for Independence.
Samuel Adams said at the end of the day:
"What a glorious day for America!"
Battle of Lexington, April 19, 1775
You Tube Video
Scene from "April Morning"
BRITISH TROOPS FIRED ON MILITIA IN LEXINGTON, MASSACHUSETTS 238 YEARS AGO
Lexington, Massachusetts (JFK+50) A force of more than 700 British Regulars arrived at the town of Lexington outside Boston, Massachusetts this morning about 5 o'clock.
They found a group of about 70 local armed militia lined up on the village green.
Captain of the militia, John Parker, had given his men this command:
"Don't fire unless fired upon, but if they mean to have a war, let it begin here!"
John Parker Statue
Lexington, Massachusetts
British Major John Pitcairn demanded the colonials to disperse but in the process a shot was fired.
The source of the shot was unknown.
This was followed by a volley and then bayonet charge by the Regulars.
8 colonials were killed with 10 more wounded.
The British regulars reformed and marched on to Concord where they occupied the town.
The Concord militia took up positions on Punkatasset Hill on the opposite side of the Old North Bridge.
When smoke came from the town, the militia, fearing the burning of Concord, launched an attack on the North Bridge.
British Lt. Col. Francis Smith ordered his troops to march back to Boston, about 16 miles distant.
On their return, His Majesty's troops were harassed by militia from throughout New England.*
*The Battles of Lexington and Concord marked the beginning of the American War for Independence.
Samuel Adams said at the end of the day:
"What a glorious day for America!"
Battle of Lexington, April 19, 1775
You Tube Video
Scene from "April Morning"
