This week from Discover the Battle Road:  Meet Colonel James Barrett, who, along with his wife, Rebecca, frantically hid stockpiled arms from British soldiers in the early hours of the morning of April 19, 1775. Later that day, the town of Menotomy (current day Arlington) would experience the largest, longest, and bloodiest engagement of the day. Discover more about the decisive action and selfless sacrifice of that momentous day.

This year's Patriots' Day honored the 250th anniversary of the first battles of the American Revolution with great fanfare, historic reenactments, commemorations, and somber remembrance of those who gave their lives to help give rise to the United States of America. As we make our way towards July 4, 2026, and the America250 celebrations, we hope you will enjoy a look back at the events of April 19, 2025.

Stand in the middle of Concord’s North Bridge with the Minute Man statue on your right and the British soldiers’ grave on your left. Place your hands on the rough wooden handrail in front of you; slightly to the left, you will see The Old Manse through the trees. Peer down into the Concord River that Ralph Waldo called “the dark stream which seaward creeps” and brace yourself: this tale is about to get rough.