Dive into history as Massachusetts celebrates the 250th anniversary of the Battle of Lexington & Concord. Read about events leading up to the American Revolution, as well as historic sites you can still visit today, and how Massachusetts is commemorating this historic event.
On the Brink of America’s Independence
The battle at Lexington and Concord on April 19, 1775, marked the beginning of the American Revolution and set the stage for the birth of the United States. Today, you can walk in the footsteps of the revolutionaries, explore the many historic sites in Concord, Massachusetts and visit the North Bridge, famous for “the shot heard ‘round the world”.
As we approach the 250th anniversary of the Battle of Lexington and Concord, Massachusetts is gearing up for a year of special events, reenactments, tours and more – including our Exclusive Guided North Bridge Walking Tour in Concord, MA starting April 26th!
Something’s Brewing
Hostility and distrust between the colonists and Britain had been brewing for a number of years. In 1764, the British Parliament imposed a series of Acts imposing taxes which both increased the cost of tea and gave the East India Trading Company a monopoly over the tea trade in colonial America. It came to a head in 1773, when colonists voted to refuse to pay the taxes on tea from newly arrived ships. Loyalist Governor Thomas Hutchison argued against the colonists, refusing to allow the ships to return to Britain. He ordered the tea tariff be paid and the tea unloaded. This angered colonists who wanted to be free from Great Britian’s rule – known as Patriots – so they made a plan to get rid of the tea. As a result, hundreds of chests of tea (worth over $1 million dollars in today’s money) were thrown into Boston Harbor in protest. This infamous night is known as the Boston Tea Party.
The British viewed the Boston Tea Party as more than an act of protest or rebellion: to them it was an act of treason. The Patriots viewed it as a justified protest, an efficient way to get their message across that they would not stand for the imposition of taxes and level of control that Great Britain was trying to have over goods imported to the colonies without any say from the colonies themselves. The Boston Tea Party was the rebellious act that lit the spark that became the fire of the American Revolution.
The Midnight Riders
One of the most legendary figures of the American Revolution, Paul Revere played a crucial role in the events leading up to the Battle of Lexington and Concord. On the night of April 18,1775, Revere climbed on his horse for his now-famous midnight ride. He, along with fellow midnight riders William Dawes, Samuel Prescott, and others, rode from Boston to Lexington to warn colonial leaders that the British troops were advancing. Revere and Dawes were captured in an ambush by the British in Concord, but fellow rider Dr. Samuel Prescott escaped the British ambush to deliver the message about British troops movements’ to colonial leaders.
The Battle of Lexington & Concord
On April 18, 1775, 700 British troops set out from Boston to seize the stockpile of colonial weapons in Concord. They were marching into Lexington, unaware that minutemen were waiting for them at Buckman Tavern. Minutemen were the colonial militia, men who had agreed to be ready for military duty “at a minute’s warning”, hence their nickname. The famous midnight riders had successfully warned colonial leaders and minutemen of the British army’s movements, thus destroying their element of surprise.
As the minutemen saw the British march into town, they came out of the tavern to confront the army. Despite being outnumbered 10 to 1, they stood strong. A shot rang out; to this day it’s unknown which side actually fired first, but the shot broke the tension. Troops on both sides began fighting. While almost 8 Minutemen lay dying and another 10 wounded, the British army advances its march onto Concord.
Fighting Escalates in Concord
In Concord, the British did not find the weapons they’re looking for. They work to secure the North Bridge and South Bridge, to ensure no rebels from remote areas can enter town. Consequently, this will also cut off the access road to Colonel Barrett’s Farm, where Loyalists told British leaders the stores of weapons were. The colonial militia, meanwhile, had been increasing in number as ranks arrived from neighboring towns. From their position on Punkatasset Hill the militia could see British movements across Concord. At one point the militia see huge plumes of smoke, and believing the British have set fire to the town, begin to advance towards the North Bridge. At this point the militia are now up to about 400 men, while the British guarding the North Bridge number less than 100. Battle breaks out. Both sides suffer casualties. However, this time, the British retreated; the colonists have won this battle! This small battle may not have seemed significant in the moment, but it became the backbone and the strength that colonists needed to stand up and fight the British.
Key Historic Sites in Concord
1. North Bridge
- The site of the first battle of the American Revolution in Concord.
- Synonymous with the famous phrase “the shot heard ‘round the world”.
- Today, visitors can walk in the shoes of minutemen viewing where the British marched in, and walk across the bridge to explore Minuteman National Historical Park.
2. Wright’s Tavern
- This historic tavern served as a meeting place for Colonial leaders.
- On April 19, 1775, before the battle, British officers gathered here.
- After the battle at North Bridge, the British brought their wounded soldiers back here for medical care before going back to Boston.
- Now closed to the public, this can only be accessed on special tours such as our Exclusive Guided North Bridge Walking Tour.
3. Minuteman Statue
- A life-size bronze statue depicting a colonial militia minuteman in located Minuteman National Historical Park, Concord.
- His farmer’s plow sits beside him, signifying how the Minutemen were not military men by trade, but regular people such as farmers who were willing to stand up against the British for what they believed was right.
4. Paul Revere Capture Site
- Where Paul Revere’s midnight ride was stopped by British troops who were on the lookout for any express riders. He, along with William Dawes, were briefly captured by the British.
- Though Paul Revere is the most famous midnight rider, he was actually part of a larger network of people who all worked together to alert the different towns and colonial leaders, spreading news and alerting the minutemen.
5. The Old Manse
- Overlooking the North Bridge, Concord, this historic home was built by Patriot minister William Emerson.
- It was later home to famous writers Nathaniel Hawthorne and Ralph Waldo Emerson.
In Lexington: Buckman Tavern
- The gathering place of the minutemen, where the first battle took place.
- Today, it is a museum showcasing artifacts from the American Revolution.
- If you were to walk, or march, from here to Wright’s Tavern in Concord, it would take you about 2 hours and 20 minutes.
250th Anniversary of Battle of Lexington & Concord Celebrations and Events
To commemorate the 250th anniversary, Massachusetts is planning a year-long celebration, including:
- Battle Reenactments: Experience live-action portrayals of the battles of Lexington and Concord.
- Community Festivals: Special events in Concord and Lexington featuring colonial music, food, and crafts.
- Historical Tours: Guided walking tours through historic sites in Concord, with expert storytelling and professional guides.
Lexington Celebrations
Visit the town of Lexington for special events throughout the year. On April 18, 2025 at 10:00 pm, there will be a Reenactment of Paul Revere’s Midnight Ride. The following morning there will be a Reenactment of the Battle of Lexington. Afterwards, see the Daughters of the American Revolution Tree Dedication, Battle Green Rededication, Patriots Day Parade and more! See all of Lexington’s upcoming events to celebrate the 250th anniversary on their website.
Celebrations in Concord
Explore Concord, where the celebrations kick off in March. The first event, a live-action performance, highlights the contributions of Black and Indigenous Patriots. “A Fight for Freedom: Honoring Patriots of Color” takes place on Saturday, March 15, 2025 at 3:00 pm. The 250th anniversary weekend will kick off at 6:00 am on April 19, 2025 with a historical Dawn Salute. The Parade begins at 8:30 am and the Old North Bridge Ceremony will follow at 9:30 am. Head over to Minute Man National Historical Park for the Battle Road Tactical Demonstration at 11:45 am or 1:00 pm. To find the full list of Concord’s 250th anniversary events, check out their website.
How to Get There
The MBTA will be celebrating the anniversary with an increased number of trains, adjusted schedule, and special service. Passengers can use special services to visit Lexington, Concord, and other towns, Saturday, April 19, and Sunday, April 20, 2025. The MBTA Commuter Rail Fitchburg line will have an increased number of trains running. Check out the Fitchburg line’s special 250th Celebration schedule here, applicable for April 19, 2025 only. Don’t miss the specially wrapped 250th Revolutionary War Anniversary Coach!
Join our Exclusive Guided Walking Tour
Kicking off April 26th, you can celebrate history with our Exclusive Guided North Bridge Walking Tour, offering:
- Round-trip transportation from Boston
- Guided Walking tour of North Bridge, Concord, Wright’s Tavern & other historic sites in the area
- Expert, local guides who will bring history to life
This is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to experience these historical sites of the American Revolution like never before!
Other Must-Visit American Revolution Sites in Massachusetts
Beyond Lexington and Concord, Massachusetts is home to many other significant American Revolution sites. In Boston, visitors can walk the Freedom Trail, a 2.5 mile route that tells the story of the American Revolution. Along which you’ll pass many iconic landmarks. You’ll see the Old South Meeting House which is the site of 1768-1775 public protests against the British. This is where, when negotiations surrounding the tea tax failed, Samuel Adams signaled to the rest of the Sons of Liberty that they would be protesting in a more audacious manner – the Boston Tea Party. Today, you can visit the Boston Tea Party Ships & Museum for a tour on a restored tea ship. Be sure to stop by the Old North Church, whose steeple held the lanterns which let midnight riders and local militias know that the British troops were coming, “one if by land, two if by sea”.
Across the river, visit the Bunker Hill Monument in Charlestown. It commemorates one of the first major battles of the Revolution. Explore the Longfellow House in Cambridge where George Washington assumed leadership of the colonial army. Don’t miss Dorchester Heights, for stunning views at the location General George Washington ordered to be fortified. Due to this, the British were forced to evacuate the city two weeks later.
Outside of the city, and accessible by Commuter Rail, you can visit the Custom House in Salem. There, you can learn about the historical impact of Salem’s seaport for the Patriots. In Marblehead, the Old Burial Hill Cemetery is a historic resting place to visit. Here, 600 Revolutionary War soldiers and local seafaring Patriots who helped the war effort by transporting essential supplies are buried.
Patriots Won the Battle for Our Independence
The Battle at Lexington and Concord was more than just a battle; markedly it was the beginning of a new nation. With the 250th anniversary happening this year, now is the perfect time to explore the places that hold such significance and hear the stories of the revolutionaries that fought for our freedom. Book your spot on our Exclusive Guided North Bridge Walking Tour in Concord, MA and become a part of history!
