The Lexington Minute Men stand on the Battle Green as part of the reenactment of the Battle of Lexington on Saturday, April 18. (Photo courtesy Lexington Minute Men)
LEXINGTON — Thousands gathered on the Lexington Battle Green early Saturday morning as the Lexington Minute Men reenacted the Battle of Lexington, bringing the opening moments of the American Revolution to life 251 years after the “shot heard round the world.”
At 5:30 a.m. on April 18, the Old Belfry rang as the sun began to rise. Dozens of Lexington Minute Men reenactors responded to the alarm, assembling on the Green in traditional militia attire as British Regulars approached.
Colonial women gathered their children and rushed to the Green, where they said their goodbyes before evacuating to safety.
The reenactment portrayed the events of April 19, 1775. Captain John Parker sent Thaddeus Bowman east to search for the approaching Regulars. Bowman soon returned on horseback to warn the militia of their proximity, and the sound of British drums echoed in the distance.
Outnumbered but determined, Parker’s militia stood their ground as the Redcoats marched onto the Green. A single shot rang out, followed by a brief but bloody exchange of gunfire between the two sides. Eight militia members were killed, and 10 were wounded, forcing the militia to retreat.
Shortly after the battle, Captain Parker and Rev. Jonas Clarke courageously rallied the militia at the Green and encouraged them to continue the fight.
The battle was over by 7:30 a.m., and as the crowd lingered to consider the historical impact of the skirmish, the Lexington Minute Men began preparations for the remaining events scheduled throughout Patriots’ Day weekend.
From 10:30 a.m. to noon, the Lexington Minute Men will reenact the Battle of Tower Park at 1157 Massachusetts Ave.
Following the reenactment, the Lexington Minute Men will take part in the annual Patriots’ Day Parade. At 1:30 p.m., they will march from the intersection of Maple Street and Massachusetts Avenue and proceed through Lexington Center, ending at Worthen Road.
“We are honored to continue the Lexington Minute Men’s tradition of preserving history through events such as the annual Battle of Lexington reenactment,” said Captain Commanding Stephen Cole. “Through reenactments like this one, we share the stories of those who fought to create our nation. We look forward to the rest of the weekend’s events as we continue to honor the Patriots who came before us.”
The full schedule of the weekend’s events can be found here.
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