SHOTS FIRED ON LEXINGTON GREEN
Lexington, Massachusetts (JFK+50) On April 19, 1775, a force of more than 700 British Regulars arrived here in Lexington just outside Boston. The King's well-trained and well-equipped army confronted a group of about 70 local militia lined up on the town's green armed with loaded muskets.
John Parker*, Captain of the Lexington militia, commanded his small group of farmers and merchants..."Don't fire unless fired upon, but if they mean to have a war, let it begin here!"
Sylvanus Wood of the Lexington Militia described what happened next...
"The (British) officer...swung his sword and said, 'Lay down your arms, you damned rebels, or you are all dead men. Fire!'"
The first shot was followed by a volley and bayonet charge by the British Regulars. When it was over, eight colonials had been killed with ten more wounded. The American War for Independence had begun.
*John Parker (1729-1775) was born in Lexington, MA. JP was a farmer, mechanic & soldier in the French & Indian War & American Revolutionary War. He participated in the Siege of Boston after the Battle of Lexington but died of tuberculosis on Sept 17, 1775.
SOURCE
"Battle at Lexington Green, 1775: The Start of the American Revolution and the 'shot heard round the world," Eyewitnesstohistory.com/
Wall Mural
Pewter Pot Restaurant
Lexington, Massachusetts
Photo by John White (1987)
