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Battle of Lexington, 19 April 1775

Image credit: National Army Museum

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Notes

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This was the first engagement between British and American troops in the American War of Independence (1775–1783). While marching from Boston to seize military stores at Concord, Massachusetts, a British force encountered a group of ‘minute men’ (militia-men who had undertaken to turn out at a minute’s notice) gathered on the green at Lexington. After a brief skirmish the Americans withdrew and the British went on.

At Concord Bridge some hours later there was a second, larger encounter which resulted in the British being routed. This ended when more British troops arrived at Boston harbour, supported by the Royal Navy. The episode was not a serious military defeat but was politically disastrous for the British. It persuaded many Americans to support the cause of independence and there was a rapid escalation of hostilities which led on to the first major battle of the war at Bunker Hill the following June.

National Army Museum

London

Title

Battle of Lexington, 19 April 1775

Date

1910

Medium

oil on canvas

Measurements

H 112 x W 163 cm

Accession number

NAM. 1959-11-302

Acquisition method

gift from Captain W. G. Wollen and Miss J. G. Wollen, 1959

Work type

Painting

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National Army Museum

Royal Hospital Road, Chelsea, London, Greater London SW3 4HT England

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