Thousands Gather at Dawn to Commemorate 250th Anniversary Reenactment of the Battle of Lexington

LEXINGTON — As the first light of dawn crept over the rooftops of historic Lexington, the stillness of the early morning was pierced by the solemn toll of the Old Belfry.

In the early hours of April 19, 2025 — exactly 250 years after the opening shots of the American Revolution — the Lexington Battle Green once again became a stage for the story that changed a nation.

Moments after the bell began to ring, dozens of Lexington Minute Men reenactors dressed as colonial militia emerged from the shadows, assembling silently on the dew-covered grass. Muskets slung over their shoulders and determination in their eyes, they stood just as their ancestors did on that fateful morning in 1775 — waiting for the arrival of British Regulars and the moment that would echo across history.

This year’s reenactment of the Battle of Lexington, marking the semiquincentennial anniversary, drew an unprecedented crowd. Thousands gathered in the early hours, some wrapped in blankets, others holding steaming cups of coffee, to honor and witness the moment the American Revolution began.

The women awoke their children, hid valuables, and went to the Green to say their goodbyes to their militia family before evacuating to safety.

Captain John Parker sent Thaddeus Bowman to the east to find the Regulars. He soon returned on horseback to warn that they were close.

As the Redcoats advanced from the east, the crowd fell silent, and the sound of British drums could be heard in the distance. The British Regulars, outnumbering the colonial militia, formed a two-deep line across the Battle Green.

“Do not fire unless fired upon, let the troops pass by and do not molest them without they be first!” exclaimed Captain Parker, portrayed by Steve Cole.

“Lay down your arms, disperse and return to your homes!” yelled Major John Pitcairn, Colonel of His Majesty’s 10th Regiment of Foot, portrayed by Michael Graves. “No one will be harmed. Lay down your arms, disperse you rebels, disperse!”

The Regulars were ordered to disarm the militia, but not fire. Tensions rose with the soldiers standing in lines across from each other. 

“You will not run me off my common!” shouted Jonas Parker.

With the militia defiant, refusing to lay down their arms, the Regulars affixed their bayonets and began to march forward.

A single shot rang out — then a volley. The skirmish was brief, chaotic and unforgettable. Eight militia men fell, 10 were wounded and the militia retreated.

The reenactment, faithful and somber, reminded all present that the freedoms celebrated today were born in gunpowder and grief.

“Today, as we mark the 250th anniversary of the Battle of Lexington, we honor the courage of those who stood here in 1775 and ignited the fight for American independence,” said Lex250 Commission Chair Suzie Barry. “This reenactment is more than a tribute — it’s a reminder of why we’re here: to preserve our shared history, to reflect on the values that shaped this nation and to ensure that the spirit of Lexington continues to inspire future generations. Thank you to our wonderful Lexington Minute Men for all the work they did to make this the most comprehensive and historical reenactment to date.”