250th Anniversary of the American Revolution at Minute Man National Historical Park

The 250th anniversary of the American Revolution is a significant event at Minute Man National Historical Park. The commemoration will provide opportunities for reflection on the shared history of the United States, the nation's role as a government, and responsibilities to human rights. Over the next several years, Minute Man National Historical Park will commemorate the American Revolution with a wide range of programs, events, and initiatives connecting the past to the present.
 
A wooden bridge crosses a narrow river with trees and fog surrounding as the sun rises in the distance.
 
 

America250 at Minute Man National Historical Park


18th Century Massachusetts was a complex place filled with widely diverse peoples from many different cultural, racial, and social backgrounds. When war erupted in 1775, those groups had already navigated decades of turmoil and strife that pushed their society to the brink of collapse. For more than 150 years, European colonizers shaped both the physical and societal landscape of Northeastern America. Conflicts over religious ideology and control of New England spiraled into genocidal wars waged against indigenous communities. Thousands of enslaved Africans were brought to American shores as unpaid labor and imperial might spread across the globe. During the period of Enlightenment, many came to question the construction of their society. These discussions permeated all aspects of life and became the basis of resistance to threats on human rights throughout the period and beyond. 

While Minute Man National Historical Park preserves and protects the landscapes where the first battle of the Revolution occurred, it also tells the story of the people who lived the events, unaware of what the outcome would be.

Rise to Rebellion

From December 2023 until June 2025, Rise to Rebellion programming will explore the causes and consequences of the Revolutionary War through the issues that divided communities, turned neighbor against neighbor, and ultimately led to a military confrontation on April 19, 1775. Rise to Rebellion programming will be further divided into themed segments aimed at exploring 1774 and 1775 in greater detail. Follow the links below to learn about special events during each segment: Catalyst, Radicalization, Organization, and Rebellion.

 

 

In December of 1773, the destruction of East India Company tea by a Boston mob was the catalyst that brought about a dramatic escalation in the political crisis between Great Britain and the North American colonies, particularly Massachusetts Bay. Join us from December of 2023 through May 31, 2024 as we explore the decades of tensions that impacted people at all levels of society.

 

 

When British warships appeared in Boston Harbor the following summer, outrage grew over Parliament’s heavy-handed response to the destruction of the tea. With limited options to protest ordinary citizens, farmers, and freeholders radicalized toward direct action. Tensions finally boiled over in September of 1774 following a military raid ordered by Royal Governor, General Thomas Gage. Within days, thousands of militia soldiers turned out amid rumors of British soldiers destroying Boston. Join us between June 1, 2024 and October 6, 2024 for programs and events about the summer of 1774.


 

 

During the "Powder Alarm" crisis in September 1774, General Thomas Gage refused to convene the Massachusetts General Court; an elected body of delegates from towns across the colony. Disenfranchised, the elected delegates instead organized an illegal Provincial Congress on October 7, 1774, seized power, and began preparing for war. Throughout the winter of 1774 into 1775 the people of Massachusetts and the British military in Boston prepared for violent conflict the following spring.

 

 

Throughout the winter of 1774 into 1775 Massachusetts Militia gathered intelligence and stockpiles of military supplies for a Rebellion they expected to fight the following spring. On April 19, 1775, General Gage sent 800 British soldiers to the town of Concord to seize and destroy a large colonial stockpile of arms, ammunition, and provisions. The move triggered a massive response from militia companies across New England and led to the first battle of the American Revolution.

 


More Helpful Links!

 
Militia soldiers crouch behind a stone wall loading and firing muskets while surrounded by smoke.
April 19, 1775: The First Battle

Learn about the people and events of April 19, 1775!

A group of minute men charge across an open field.
Patriots' Day (April Events)

Join us to commemorate the first battle of the American Revolution. Patriots' Day events occur annually during the month of April.

North Bridge timbers silhouetted against the sunset reflecting in the water.
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Last updated: December 18, 2023

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North Bridge / Park Headquarters
174 Liberty St.
Concord, MA 01742

Phone:

978 369-6993

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