Let It Begin Here!: Lexington & Concord: First Battles of the American Revolution

April 18, 1775 9:30 P.M. Paul Revere learns that the British army is marching to Lexington and Concord to arrest rebel leaders and destroy American military supplies. 11:00 P.M. Revere begins his famous midnight ride to warn his fellow patriots about the British plans. April 19, 1775 12:00 A.M. Revere reaches Lexington and warns rebel leaders Samuel Adams and John Hancock that the British are coming. They escape and rouse the town's militia. 1:00 A.M. Revere is captured by the British, but a fellow patriot continues on to warn the sleeping village of Concord. 5:00 A.M. An advance lookout for the Lexington militia spots the approaching British army and shouts a warning. 5:20 A.M. Most of the 70 Lexington militiamen, outgunned by the military might of the 250 British regulars, decide to back down. But a few men stand their ground, including Jonas Parker, a grandfather who has vowed never to flee the British. Suddenly, a shot rings out.