The United States does not officially become 250 years old until July 4, 2026, which will be the 250th anniversary of the adoption of the Declaration of Independence, however, in a few days, the actions that eventually led us to independence will have happened 250 years ago.
The Beginning of the Revolution
For years, tensions between Great Britain and the Thirteen Colonies had been building as the taxes imposed on the Colonies were ever increasing; the British even dared to write a song called the Yankee Song (now Yankee Doodle) to ridicule the Colonists, even as the Colonists fought for the British in the French and Indian War. Yankee was a derogatory term the English used to refer to the Scottish, which they then applied to the Colonists in mockery, even after securing a victory for the British.
I believe the fate of the British rule over the Colonies was sealed in 1770, as the Boston Massacre was likely a point of no return. This eventually led the Colonists to form the First Continental Congress to petition the king for a redress of grievances.
Tensions escalated until one particular day which would go down in history: April 19, 1775.
In April of 1775, the Colonists received word that the British were about to arrive in Boston and then seize the Colonists’ armament near Concord, Massachusetts. Around midnight on April 19, British vessels were spotted on their way to Boston, prompting several riders, famously including Paul Revere, to alert the militia to the impending British invasion.
At daybreak, 700 British troops arrived in Lexington, Massachusetts, to find their advance opposed by 77 Minutemen. During the ensuing standoff, the commanders of both sides ordered their troops not to fire; some may have hoped that avoiding a war was still possible. Militia leader Captain John Parker is believed to have said to his men Stand your ground. Don’t fire unless fired upon. But if they mean to have a war, let it begin here.
A little while after Parker gave this order, a shot rang out, however, it is uncertain which side fired the shot. This is what was known as the shot heard round the world, which I argue is now the shot heard through the centuries.
In the confusion following the initial shot, volleys were exchanged and the British charged and drove the Minutemen off the field, leaving behind eight patriots martyred for freedom.
Later that day, the Minutemen paid the British a visit in Concord, this time in greater numbers and with Lexington on their minds. The Colonists drove the British back to Boston, continuously harassing and inflicting casualties on them. As the British retreated, some farmers who noticed the conflict grabbed their muskets and fired at the British, most notably the 78 year old Samuel Whittemore.
While working in his fields, Whittemore spotted a British relief brigade of grenadiers, at which point Whittemore charged at them, fired his musket and pistols, drew his sword, and slew a few British troops, after which he was attacked so severely that the British left him for dead, however, Whittemore was later found gravely wounded, yet still reloading his musket to resume the fight. Whittemore ultimately survived the war and lived to the age of 96.
The Significance of April 19
April 19 may not be the anniversary of the United States’ independence, but it certainly is the birth of American liberty and valor.
On April 19, 2025, only a couple days from now, the American spirit will become 250 years old. It has now been a quarter of a millennium since the first patriots gave the ultimate sacrifice for life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness, and I believe they would be proud that their sacrifices brought forth this nation which still stands and fights for freedom, even 250 years later.
The United States Postal Service even released a sheet of 15 stamps commemorating battles that were major turning points of the Revolution, including the battles of Lexington and Concord!
If you want to listen to some patriotic music to celebrate this historical milestone, you could check out my post from last week which lists 13 of my favorite patriotic songs!
What is your favorite event of April 19, 1775?
Onward American 🇺🇸
Source: Yankee Doodle Lyrics and History
Onward American 