The Shot Heard 'Round the World: Chronicling Lexington and Concord, April 19, 1775

There exists umpteen ways to honor an historic event.

I decided on finding a newspaper account of the Lexington and Concord events, often bundled up and referred to as "the shot heard round the world."

While the idea of revolution was already on the minds of many, this is what goes down in many people's minds as the turning point. I'll go with that- although the more I dive into our early American history, the more I realize it's a moment in a massive, shifting, and constantly evolving timeline.

But as this weekend commemorates this event, absolutely an important one... I must shine a light on it.

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1775: Gale from the North in CW, Mark Schneider on horseback.

New Hampshire's Gazette offered detail on the 'shot heard round the world.'

Gunpowder and weapons were stored throughout the colonies... and the Royal Governors representing the monarchy always had control and access to those stores.

In 1775, with tensions mounting, Royal Governors started taking control of those stores in a way that made the people living in the colonies beyond anxious. And British soldiers hanging out in Boston, armed and seemingly ready for battle, set off a spark.

They did it by marching towards Concord, Massachusetts on April 18, 1775 to seize the weapons and ammunition stored there. So let's dive in- the news being shared about what happened the next morning.

My source: "The New Hampshire Gazette and Historical Chronicle, containing the Frefhest ADVICES FOREIGN and DOMESTIC" - Vol. XIX, Friday April 21, 1775.

It opens with a letter. A personal account of the receipt of the news, followed by the news article. The opening letter is transcribed to the best of my ability below. (and note the long S by "f" - common in 18th century writing- it's not a typo!) I have created paragraph breaks for ease of reading.

Click here to view it and the article online.

BLOODY NEWS

Portsmouth, April 20, 1775.

Early this Morning, we were alarmed, with and Exprefs from Newbury-Port, with the following Letter, to the Chairman of the Committee of Correfpondence in this Town.

SIR, Newburty-Port, April 19, 1775.
THIS Town has been in a continental Alarm since Mid-day with Reports of the TROOPS having marched out of Bofton to make fome Attack in the Country -- The Reports in general concur, in part, in having been at Lexington. -- And it is very generally faid they have been at Concord.

-- We fent off an Exprefs this Afternoon, who went as far as Simons's at Danvers before he could get Information that he thought might be depended upon -- he there met two or three Gentlemen who affirmed, the Regular Troops and our Men had been engaged chief of the Morning, and that it is fupported we had Twenty-five Thoufand Men engaged againft Four Thousand Regulars;

that the Regulars had begun a Retreat -- Our Men here are fetting off immediately. -- And as the Sword is now drawn, and Firft drawn on the Side of the Troops, we Feruple not, you will give the readieft and fulleft Alliance in your power -- And fend this Information further on -- In behalf of the Committee for this Town,

Your humble Servant,
JAMES HUDSON
Chairman

RELATED: Click here to read my article about early American newspaper articles.

How you can observe the 250th of Lexington and Concord.

Visit, research, participate.

Visit historic sites in your city. If you live in a place that was part of British North America during the 18th century, you may have sites related to the American Revolution. Even if they don't have a direct link to the Lexington and Concord events, take some time to explore the connection.

Research. How did your city/state (colony) receive the news? You saw the New Hampshire newspaper- I'd love to hear about anything you discover!

Participate in events that honor the events at Lexington and Concord:

Find events in your state by clicking here and selecting your state.

Here in Colonial Williamsburg (CW), Virginia, our talented team of Nation Builders and actor interpreters, have been performing "1775: The Gale from the North" daily. Co-written by Kurt Smith and Katharine Pittman, it sheds light on how Williamsburg residents received the news of the "shot heard round the world."

1775, Gale from the North, free CW street theater performance.

Go beyond this historic weekend and participate in your state's "250th" events.

Many are happening now and will continue through the big anniversary date: July 4, 2026. Click here to find your state's events and educational tools online.

Immerse yourself (and your family!) into all the bits that make up our American Revolution of the 18th century using my two affiliate partners:

1) Click here to purchase History Unboxed: American Revolution

2) Click here and download the Explore Here app. I recommend the Pro Version so you can save your favorites and us the app offline.

CW Fifes and Drums marching for the public to experience.

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Cheers!

There is a huge practical disclaimer to the content on this blog, which is my way of sharing my excitement and basically journaling online.

1) I am not a historian nor an expert. I will let you know I’m relaying the information as I understand and interpret it. The employees of Colonial Williamsburg base their presentations, work, and responses on historical documents and mainly primary sources.

2) I will update for accuracy as history is constant learning. If you have a question about accuracy, please ask me! I will get the answer from the best source I can find.

3) Photo credit to me, Daphne Reznik, for all photos in this post! All photos are personal photos taken in public access locations or with specific permission.