Apr 192024
 
Battles of Lexington and Concord

Battles of Lexington and Concord

Battles of Lexington and Concord, in 1775, marked the beginning of the American Revolutionary War. About 700 British troops were marching toward Lexington and Concord to destroy military supplies. Approximately 70 Minutemen met the redcoats in Lexington. Records do not indicate clearly who fired the first shot, but eight Minutemen died. Ten more Minutemen were injured. One British soldier was wounded. The British continued on to Concord and then turned back toward Boston. Along the way, patriots shot at the redcoats. British casualties came to 250, and American casualties numbered 90. Children could learn more at: Minute Man National Historical Park.

Apr 192024
 

Boston Marathon Premiered in 1897. It was created to honor the 1775 Battles of Lexington and Concord. The marathon is the world’s oldest such race. Fifteen men participated that day, Patriots’ Day. Women unofficially began running in the race in 1966 and officially in 1967. In 1975 the Marathon began a wheelchair divison. Today the race attracts about 30,000 participants and 500,000 spectators. The race is still held on Patriots’ Day, but that day is now the third Monday in April.