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Minute Man
National Historic Park
National park dedicated to preserving the areas of Lexington and Concord - the first battles of the American Revolution.

"By the rude bridge that arched the flood,
Their flag to April’s breeze unfurled,
Here once the embattled farmers stood,
And fired the shot heard round the world.
The foe long since in silence slept;
Alike the conqueror silent sleeps;
And Time the ruined bridge has swept
Down the dark stream which seaward creeps.
On this green bank, by this soft stream,
We set to-day a votive stone;
That memory may their deed redeem,
When, like our sires, our sons are gone.
Spirit, that made those heroes dare,
To die, and leave their children free,
Bid Time and Nature gently spare
The shaft we raise to them and thee."
-Ralph Waldo Emerson
Concord Hymn
Minute Men
Minute Men
Colonists who volunteered to be part of a "citizen army". They were well trained and prepared to fight in a minute's notice earning them the name - Minute Men.

Battle of Lexington
British Troops
vs.
Massachusetts Militia & Minute Men

British Victory
Before the war broke out, Massachusetts had local militia set up to defend against the British regulars. The British wanted to march to Concord, Massachusetts and destroy Colonial military supplies kept by the militia. Their secret plan was uncovered though, and Paul Revere was sent on his midnight ride to warn Patriots in Lexington and Concord.
The next day, after hearing of the British plans, Minute Men and the Massachusetts Militia lined up in Lexington in order to stop the British from going on towards Concord. John Parker, a colonial farmer and leader of the Minute Men, knew the Patriots were outnumbered and told the Patriots to hold their fire. Major John Pitcairn, the British officer who was sent with a light infantry ahead of the rest of the Concord-bound British troops, told his men to hold their fire as well.
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To this day, it is unknown who shot first, but once the first shot was fired...the American Revolutionary War had begun. The British overtook the Patriots and marched on toward Concord.
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American Patriot
Victory
When colonists in Concord heard of the British plans, militia and minute men from Concord and surrounding areas assembled together to defend against the British troops.
After their victory at Lexington, the British troops arrived in Concord. They split up into different groups in search of the military supplies. About 400 Patriots fought against 100 British troops near Old North Bridge. The overwhelmed, outnumbered troops retreated back to the bulk of British troops in Concord. As more militia men continued to arrive from surrounding areas, the British were forced to retreat to Boston. Gunfire continued to be exchanged between the two sides until the British received reinforcements and were safely back in Boston.
Battle of Concord
British Troops
vs.
Massachusetts Militia & Minute Men

Patriot's Day Celebration
April 2018
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Battle Reenactments
-
Parades
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Paul Revere Capture Reenactment
For More Information Visit: https://www.nps.gov/mima/patriots-day.htm
Teaching your kids about the Battles of Lexington and Concord?
Check Out This Episode of Liberty's Kids!
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