Cambridge, Lexington, & Concord: Private Revolutionary War Tour (2024)

FAQs

Can you visit Lexington and Concord? ›

Begin your visit at the NPS Visitor Center on Marrett Road in Lexington and view the multimedia theater program about the battles there. A 6-mile walking trail or driving tour includes the area of Parker's Revenge, the site where Paul Revere was captured, the Minute Man Statue and the famous North Bridge in Concord.

British Casualties totaled 273; 73 Killed, 174 wounded, 26 missing. Colonial casualties totaled 96; 49 killed, 41 wounded, and 5 missing. The Regulars are out!

Between twenty and forty men of the approximately 4,000 who fought along the Battle Road on April 19, 1775, were of African descent or Native American.

The first was a British regular, James Marr, who admitted the British fired first at Concord, even after the militia had let British search parties pass by them unharmed to cross the bridge and rejoin the rest of Smith's forces.

The Revolution Begins: The Aftermath of the Battles of Lexington and Concord. The Battles of Lexington and Concord took a toll on both sides. For the colonists, 49 were killed, 39 were wounded, and five were missing. For the British, 73 were killed, 174 were wounded, and 26 were missing.

Major Buttrick of Concord shouted, “For God's sake, fire!” and the Minute Men replied with their own volley, killing three British soldiers and wounding nine others. This volley is the volley considered “the shot heard round the world.” The rest of the British troops retreated back to town.

During the retreat the British lost 73 killed, 173 wounded and 26 missing. American losses were 50 killed, 39 wounded and five missing.

On October 26, 1774 they recommended that towns recruit volunteers and “form them into Companies of fifty Privates at the least, who shall equip and hold themselves in Readiness to march at the shortest Notice...” Because they were expected to be ready quickly, “at a minute's warning...” they became known as “minute ...

During the redcoats' entire march back to Boston, minutemen harrassed them, firing from behind fences, houses, trees, and rocks. By the end of the day, the redcoats suffered three times more casualties than had the colonists.

While accurate numbers are hard to come by, the American population at the time was approximately 2.1 million; free blacks comprised 2.4 percent of the overall population, and slaves formed 21.5 percent.

What happened to the Black Hessians? ›

Many became tambours after travelling to Germany, as was the case for the previously discussed Moritz Moses, or Wilhelm. These soldiers and their families would live the rest of their lives in Germany as free people, having gained the favor and respect of many of their former comrades.

Salem Poor has remained one of the very few fabled African American heroes of the Revolutionary War since 1775, due to his strength and stability at the Battle of Bunker Hill.

On the evening of April 18, 1775, Dr. Joseph Warren summoned Paul Revere and gave him the task of riding to Lexington, Massachusetts, with the news that British soldiers stationed in Boston were about to march into the countryside northwest of the town.

The current thought is that about 20 percent of the colonists were Loyalists — those whose remained loyal to England and King George. Another small group in terms of percentage were the dedicated patriots, for whom there was no alternative but independence.

One if by Land, and Two if by Sea

Paul Revere arranged to have a signal lit in the Old North Church – one lantern if the British were coming by land and two lanterns if they were coming by sea – and began to make preparations for his ride to alert the local militias and citizens about the impending attack.

Some of its most unique assets include many National Historic Landmarks that have a foundational place in the country's colonial past. Battle Green and the surrounding area are the sites of the first Revolutionary War battle and a tourist attraction with an international appeal.

Lexington is perfectly placed for a getaway with so many activities to put on your list, no matter if you go during the blooming spring, colorful autumn, or snowy winter.

No transportation? No problem. Downtown is the most walkable district in Lexington, with a Walk Score of 88 out of 100. Most errands can be accomplished on foot, with an average of 14 restaurants, bars and shops within a 5 minute walk.

During our operating season, a visit to the Minute Man Visitor Center in Lexington can last 45- 60 Minutes if you plan to watch the 25 minute park film. A trip to the North Bridge Visitor Center can be expected to last 30-45 Minutes if you plan to watch the 10 minute film about the battle at the bridge.