Patriot's Day
Patriot's Day is a holiday in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts. It celebrates the start of the eight year American Revolutionary War which ended with independence from England. The first battles between the American colonist mitilia and the British soldiers took place on April 19, 1775 in the towns of Lexington and Concord. Engagements took place first at the North Bridge in Concord and then on the Lexington Green as well several places along the roadway back to Boston. There were over 3,500 colonists and 1,700 British troops involved in the fighting on April 19th. By the end of the day, 73 British soldiers had died and 49 colonists had lost their lives. The events of the day quickly spread throughout the American colonies and was the stimulus for the larger battles that were to come.
The Minute Man National Historical Park's web site is an excellent way to learn more information about the battles and historical sites.
Minute Man National Historical Park