The continuations of celebrating America250...!
. . .
 |
| "Michigan version"~ |
So I made a few phone calls to some reenacting friends, tossing ideas back and forth. My main course of action was to keep it as accurate as possible, even if that meant for less participants. I mean, I knew we would not be getting a thousand redcoats or eighty militia/minutemen, but I, at the very least, wanted to have the look down, if nothing else. That was and is of utmost importance.
I also didn't want ir to be a one-shot deal. I wanted this reenactment to be an annual event, having the ability to see what we do right and where we could improve.
So it was in 2019 that was the first time we were able to have it, and it was a grand success. It wasn't very large, but it turned out to be pretty awesome. And more reenactors began to contact me about participating in the next year's event. Then, sadly, came 2020 when covid shut the world down, and 2021 when there was still great covid concern by many, so we did not get to do this event again until April of 2022. That year was also a great success. Even greater than 2019. Then 2023 and 2024 proved to be even grander, continuing on the uphill climb, with participation ever-growing along with a growing number of spectators.
 |
| You say you want a Revolution~ |
And now, here we are in 2025 - - the 250th anniversary - - and this year turned out to be a truly best ever event! I very much made the effort to make this to be as good as I could possibly do, and God shed His grace on thee, for being a comemmoration of the 250th, I could not have been any happier. There were so many pluses through the years, but here in the Semiquincentennial, it seems everything culminated together. From Paul Revere's ride to what is generally thought of as more of a skirmish than a battle at Lexington to the period entertainment from Plymouth Fife & Drum Corps to the Battle of Concord to spending time with Benjamin Franklin and my colonial friends----it was all spectacular!
 |
| This is only the military - - believe me, there were plenty more reenactors, including more military (who left before this photo)---I would say near double this amount if civilians are to be included. |
 |
| It was 250 years ago - - Paul Revere rides again! |
I oftentimes portray my Revolutionary War hero, Paul Revere, and will present as the man for schools, historical societies, libraries, reenactments, and other various oraginizations. For this 250th event, I had been wishin' and hopin' and thinkin' and prayin' that I would be able to ride a horse during my Paul Revere portrayal. Actually, I had been planning such a thing in my head for a few years. It was just making this dream - this want - happen. My friend Jason, who owns and raises horses that he often uses for jousting at Renaissance and Medieval Fairs, had let me ride a horse of his about ten years ago (check out THIS page). I was in my glory! So he was the first person I thought of when the idea sprung into my brain. Happily for me, he said "yes!" when asked, so we just had to work out the details.
Days before the event, we did get everything worked out. But there was just one thing: Jade the horse hadn't been ridden in nearly a year. Now I was supposed to go to Jason's place to ride Jade and get familiar with her, except we've had quite a bit of
 |
| The day's schedule of events~ |
soggy weather this spring, and on the
days that were nice either Jason had plans or I had plans. Jason had a friend ride the horse and I guess the horse was pretty skittish, so he let me know he would prefer to use a lead rope. A lead rope is used to guide and control a horse, leading the horse, or handling them in various situations. I told him it was no problem - I just wanted the horse there.
So on the morning of the event, I had nervous excitement. And then I received the text from Jason that read "5 minutes out" and my excitement rose. And rose. And rose. It was actually going to happen! I was going to reenact on a horse Paul Revere's ride! I could not care any less if it was by way of a lead rope through the historic Mill Race Village town.
Jason pulled in with his truck and horse trailer. Jade was being a little skittish and even a bit obstinate as her owner tried to get her out of the trailer. And once she was out it was plain to see she was nervous. But I had no fear, only excitement. Especially given the fact that Jade was brown, just like Paul Revere's borrowed horse, Brown Beauty (through the years, there were folk who claimed his horse went by other names, but Brown Beauty is the only name with documented evidence).
Bam!! Perfect!
Many years ago, before we had children, my wife and I used to take riding lessons...and we were pretty good students. And the first rule they taught Patty and I in riding a horse was to be relaxed, for the horse can tell if you are nervous. And they need to know who's boss. Yep, I was very relaxed - I very much wanted my plans to go right.
 |
| Getting ready to settle in the saddle, with a little help from the bench |
Whatever nervousness I had, I overcame quickly, for I have degenerative lower discs in my back and sciatica in both legs so I had reason for a little initial concern. After Jade was saddled I had to climb on top of a bench to reach the stirrup, for my legs don't go as high as they used to (lol). It still was a little difficult to get on the horse. But I did---pain be damned!---I did!
I had been planning this for too long to let "a little pain" stop me! I was bound and determined to get on the horse, and with encouragement from Jason - and the bench - I soon found myself atop of this big beautiful brown beast!!
Once I was sitting in the saddle, I felt terrific! No pain or any concern. The thing about horseback riding (like riding a bike!) is you don't forget. Jason told me Jade's signals to go, to stop, and for turning.
Okay---I'm good---let's go!
Jason grabbed the lead rope and off we went~
 |
| "The Regulars are on the march!! The Regulars are coming out!! They are marching this way!! Ring the warning bells! Fire the muskets!" |
As soon as we got on the brick road, I got into my "Paul Revere mode" and began to shout "The Regulars are on the march!! The Regulars are coming out!! They are marching this way!!"
Some people asked why I didn't gallop or even trot. The reason is because this was my first time ever riding this particular horse, so she was not familiar with me, nor I with her. Plus there were quite a few spectators lined up along the brick street, and with me not being a daily horse-rider, it was definitely best to keep the speed and action to a minimum. Anything can easily spook a horse, and any person, young or old, could easily get in the way and, thus, possibly get hurt.
It is better to be safe than sorry.
But as I rode upon the street and saw the line up of people there...no words can describe the feeling I had.
Once Jason saw that I was relaxed and handling the horse pretty well, he unattached the lead and it was me and "Brown Beauty" alone. Jason gave me quite a few compliments on how well I handled the horse. My confidence was strong..
For that moment I was Paul Revere and my horse was Brown Beauty, and it was April 1775!
The road from the back of the village to the front is just a short jaunt, so I went back and forth three times, each time stopping to speak to the people. At one point, Jason was there in front of everyone and I called out a round of applause in recognition for bringing the horse. I then explained the similarities: Revere's horse and the one I was riding were the same color, and both were borrowed (Revere's from Deacon John Larkin).
 |
| No lead rope, no gallups - just a walk. I made sure to be very careful around the spectators. |
 |
| Many many folks - practically everyone there - had their phones or cameras out snapping pictures, so I stopped every-so-often to speak a little about the original ride of Paul Revere. |
Unfortunately, the original Brown Beauty was confiscated by British soldiers during Revere's midnight ride. When Paul Revere was captured on the way to Concord (after a brief stop in Lexington), the British took the horse to replace a sergeant's tired mount. Revere was eventually released, but he walked back to Lexington while the horse was taken by the British and was never seen by its owner again. I relayed this story to the spectators and added that there was no way the British were going to take this horse this time!
 |
| Rumor is that Mill Race wanted to make a statue, so they asked me to pose lol |
 |
| I enjoyed seeing the spectators lining the street~ I had a bell-ringer stationed at the church there at Mill Race to ring the bell in the steeple as part of the alarm. |
After the day was done, I thought about how embarrasing it could have turned out if no horse was there---if Jason could not have come...if I could not mount the beauty to ride the people-lined street. I suppose I could have pulled a Monty Python and grabbed a couple of coconuts, making a clip-clopping sound as I skipped down the road.
Yeah--no---lol (no coconuts were available hee hee)~~~~
 |
| It's very fitting that I am riding past the Sons of Liberty flag, given that Paul Revere was a prominent member of that secret revolutionary organization, which was formed in response to British policies. He actively participated in resistance efforts, including creating propaganda, informing other Sons of Liberty about the Boston Tea Party, and warning colonists of British troop movements, most famously during his midnight ride. (yes, there were a few historical flags lining the street for historical purpose). |
The song "Me and Paul Revere", written by musician/comedian Steve Martin and performed with his bluegrass group Steve Martin and the Steep Canyon Rangers, was inspired by the tale of Paul Revere's ride and told from the point of view of Revere's horse, Brown Beauty. It is actually more historically accurate than the Longfellow poem by far:
Late at night in the silver light, in the stables eating hay
In came a man, an artisan, and we both rode away
He whispered in my upturned ear, “It’s time to get an’ go
’til this job’s done, we breath as one, head for the outbound road”
Me and Paul Revere oh me and Paul Revere
I’m the horse he chose of course me and Paul Revere
He told me that a thousand troops, were out to do their worst
“They want Sam Adams and Hancock, we’ve got to get there first”
Along the way to Lexington, the Regulars drew guns
They gave chase and we set pace, those boys they were outrun
Me and Paul Revere oh me and Paul Revere
On the run to Lexington me and Paul Revere
 |
| My replication ride turned out perfect! The looks on the spectators faces, especially the children, really made this for me! |
We turned North through Cambridge Town, along the mystic road
Nostrils flared and gallop strong, my legs on fire below
We got up to where they slept, woke Adams and Hancock
And they said “Who’s that? That’s Larkin’s horse, she’s steady as a rock”
Brown Beauty is my name, Brown Beauty is my name
Revere and I one and the same, Brown Beauty is my Name
The Grenadiers are on the move, let’s fill the powder horns
How much more has that horse got, Concord must be warned
Paul Revere gave me the heel, we charged the Concord road
But we were taken prisoner by ten men on patrol
Me and Paul Revere, oh, me and Paul Revere
I’m the horse he chose of course me and Paul Revere
He told them that a hundred men had spread the good alarm
“You better head away from here for Lexington is armed”
Revere stood tall and fooled them all, told them what to do
And they let him go but sadly so, they took me with them too
I never saw Revere again, I know he thinks of me
And wonders where I ended up, the night we set men free
I’m just the horse that no one knows, I’m famous though inside
Standing proudly in a field, I was Revere’s ride.
 |
| The lovely ladies of town saw me off! |
 |
| I had to have a pose with the horse's owner, Jason. Jason is beginning to build a set of 18th century clothing. He has his coat and waistcoat. Knee breeches and a cocked hat next, mayhaps? |
Jason also reenaacts the Medieval, Renaissance, and Civil War perids as well. So to add another decade can be kinda rough. But we welcome him to the 18th century.
 |
| My wife not only loves dogs, but loved horses, too! And, yes, she knows how to ride. We used to ride together way back when. I'd love for us to do that again sometime. |
 |
| Charlotte even made the sign! |
From Buckman Tavern:
"Built in 1710, this central tavern On the Green was a gathering place for both locals and travelers and the site of many important town meetings. Captain Parker and his militia gathered in this tavern in the early morning hours of April 19, 1775, to await the oncoming British Redcoat troops."
 |
| My bride by my side! |
 |
| A gathering inside our version of Buckman's Tavern. The original tavern was built in the early 1700s by Benjamin Muzzey on Lexington Green. |
 |
| As the first public house in the village of Lexington, it became a center for eating, drinking, and village gatherings. |
 |
| By 1775, the tavern was operated by John Buckman and his wife, a descendant of Benjamin Muzzey. The village green outside the tavern served as the training grounds for the Lexington militia. |
 | ||
| Tony is offered multiple treats from the ladies. ~~~~~~~~~
|
 |
| The ladies running Buckman's Tavern: Patty (my better half) and Charlotte- - - Looks like my wife's a bit chilled... |
 |
| There is another room in the tavern that we used for impressions such as medical and printing, (among other things). |
 |
| Period pamphlets |
 |
| And broadsides from both sides of the conflict. |
 |
| Catching up on the latest - - - |
 |
| A bit of cards and gambling... |
 |
| That's my son there on the left writing letters. On the right we have Ben Franklin. Now, Mr. Franklin was not at Lexington & Concord when the fighting broke out; he was in England, for 'twas Franklins' second mission to England in 1775 when the British fired upon colonists at Lexington and Concord, officially beginning the American Revolution. Perhaps my son is writing of the news...? |
What you see italicized below are descriptions of the Lexington Alarm that came directly from the book, Paul Revere's Ride by David Hackett Fischer:
Immediately after the alarm was received, the men of Massachusetts began to assenble in their towns. Lexington's Congregational minister, Jonas Clarke, remembered that within moments of Paul Revere's arrival, "the militia of this town were alarmed, and ordered to meet on the usual place of parade." Everyone knew what to do. Literally within minutes, men throughout the town were dressing hastily and reaching for their muskets, while wives packed a few provisions in their shoulder bags...
 |
| The Lexington militia: Men of property and independence... |
 |
| Mostly dairy farmers~ |
They dressed in ordinary working clothes. The men were clean-shaven, with long hair worn straight or pulled back in a queue, beneath large, weather-beaten hats. One eyewitness observed that, "to a man they wore small clothes, coming down and fastening just below the knee, and long stockings with cowhide shoes ornamented by large buckles."
In the 18th century, the British King's Regular Army was a primarily infantry force, often deployed in garrisons or as part of larger campaigns. It relied heavily on voluntary recruitment, although at times, due to manpower shortages, conscription or offering army service to convicts was employed. The army was known for its discipline and regimentation, with soldiers experiencing harsh conditions and punishments, yet many were drawn to the army for reasons like escape from poverty or the chance to travel.
John Parker was a Yankee farmer and merchant. By long experience, he was also an old soldier who had survived many a hard colonial campaign. Captain Parker had seen more of war than most of the British Regulars who were marching into his town.. In the early hours of April 19, he gathered up his battered equipment that had seen many years of service, and set off to meet his company.
From the book, Paul Revere's Ride by David Hackett Fischer
 |
| Our gallant Redcoats were over at the school house, a-waiting the time when they were going to march into Lexington. Throughout the eighteenth-century, their military uniform was red and for that the British soldiers were known as “Redcoats”. |
 |
| Loyalist camp followers during the American Revolutionary War were women and, less often, men who accompanied the British and Loyalist armies, providing essential support services like cooking, laundry, sewing, and nursing. They were often the wives or relatives of soldiers but also included widows, runaway servants, and other individuals seeking work or refuge. Despite their vital contributions, camp followers are often overlooked in historical accounts, and their experiences, especially those of Loyalist camp followers, deserve further research. |
Truth be told, I've not read anything about camp followers during Lexington & Concotd, but I am so glad that they do come along for our event, for they help teach about their position and experience as Loyalist camp-followers.
 |
| ...right outside the tavern door...the Lexington Militia heeded Paul Revere's warning~~~ |
 |
| Captain John Parker, portrayed by Ken Roberts, gives the oath. On the morning of the April 19, he mustered his strength and walked two miles to Lexington Green to take command of the seventy or so militiamen awaiting the British regulars. Here, Parker is said to have told his men, “Stand your ground..." |
 |
| "...Don't fire unless fired upon, but if they mean to have a war, let it begin here.” The commander of Lexington's militia, Captain John Parker...had been elected by his fellow townsmen, and they had chosen well. John Parker was the sort of leader other men willingly follow in the face of danger. |
From the book, Paul Revere's Ride by David Hackett Fischer
 |
| In the 18th century, the militia was a community-based military force in both colonial America and Great Britain. It comprised all able-bodied men of a certain age, obligated to serve in times of need, forming the primary defense against both external threats and internal unrest. While not a modern-day standing army, it served as a crucial part of the social structure, often acting as local police and firefighters as well. |
 |
| Waiting for action--- |
The Regulars rounded a gentle turn in the road, and the village of Lexington came into view.
 |
| This march was no drill! |
 |
| The order to load was another moment of truth for the Regulars. "We were surprised, not imagining in the least that we should be attacked or even molested on the march, for we had but that instant loaded and marched all night without being loaded." |
 |
| The Regulars were now very near to Lexington center. In the distance they began to hear a military drum, beating a call to arms. |
The column heard more alarm guns, repeating in the distance. They listened as meeting bells began to toll. The bells were not very loud---these were small, solitary country bells, changing faintly, but the sounds came from every side---west, north, and even east behind the column.
As the Regulars came closer they saw Captain John Parker's militia near the northeast corner of the Common, hurrying into line...Paul Revere heard Parker speak to his company. "Let the troops pass by," Parker told his men. "Don't molest them without they being first."
 |
| The Lexington militia began to consult earnestly among themselves. One turned to his captain and said, "There are so few of us it is folly to stand here." But Parker had decided that the time for debate had ended. He turned to his men and told them, "The first man who offers to run shall be shot down." |
 |
| The Regulars came closer. Several men on both sides heard an officer (some say Major Pitcairn) shout, "Lay down your arms, you damned rebels! Throw down your arms, ye villains, ye rebels!" |
 |
| Jonas Clarke thought that the officer said, "Ye villains, ye rebels, disperse, damn you, disperse!" |
Captain Parker turned to his men and gave them new orders, different from before. He later testified, "I immediately ordered our militia to disperse and not to fire."
Jonas Clarke wrote, "Upon this, our men dispersed, but not so speedily as they might have done." In the confusion, some of the militia did not hear the order and stayed where they were. None of the militia had layed down their arms.
 |
| Lexington militiaman Elijah Sanderson saw the Regulars shoot at him, but he was amazed that nobody seemed to fall, and thought that the Redcoats were firing blanks. Then one British soldier turned and fired toward a man behind a wall. "I saw the wall smoke with the bullets hitting it," Sanderson recalled, "I then knew they were firing balls." |
 |
| I did the narrating of the event~ |
Paul Revere's testimony indicated that he could not tell who fired first. As the two lines drew near British Lieutenant Edward Gould heard the sharp report of a gun. Like Paul Revere, he could not see where it came from, and was unable to hear it clearly...
As the bitter smell of black powder began to spread across the Common, men on both sides searched quickly around them, looking for the source of the shot. Nearly everyone, British and American, agreed that the first shot did not come from the ranks of Captain Parker's militia, or from the British infantry.
We shall never know who fired first at Lexington, or why. But everyone on the Common saw what happened next. The British infantry heard the shots , and began to fire without orders. Their officers could not control them. "Our men without any orders rushed in upon them, fired, and put them to flight." |
| Dispersing militia, though for some it was too late~ |
 |
| The two lines, British and American, were very close. The British infantry were doing autonatically what they had been taught. There was no command for "take aim" in the British manual of arms in 1775, only "present." |
 |
| Heavy lead musket balls flew in all directions. The British infantry fired several ragged volleys, then charged forward without orders through the smoke, lunging with their long bayonets at anyone they found in their way. |
 |
| The Common was shrouded in dense clouds of dirty white smoke. One militiaman remembered, "All was smoke when the Foot fired." |
 |
| Two militiamen fell dead on the line where they had mustered. The rest were killed while trying to disperse as they had been ordered. The bodies of wounded and dead militiamen were scattered about the bloody ground. |
In the houses and woods along the road, the people of Lexington listened bitterly to the British cheers and began to count their dead. Seven Lexington men had been killed (while) nine other Lexington men were wounded, some severely.
Off to Concord the Regulars marched...
The crowd seemed to enjoy witnessing their history lesson. |
| We had plenty of spectators lining the bricked street to watch history at Lexington come alive, while there were many more folks in different areas of Mill Race Village. |
Our local TV news stations were contacted about this event - one did show up: Fox 2 News.
They interviewed me and Redcoated Regular Dalton.
 |
Detroit's Fox 2 News! |
 |
| Not sure why we didn't make the on-air news. I sent an email to various news agencies and so did co-reenactor, Karen. Only Fox 2 came out. |
 |
| Promoting American history is always a good thing! Especially when it's the 250th! |
Sadly, we didn't make it on the air.
However, other media was contacted, including our local news weekly:
 |
| Mill Race Village is in Northville, which is about an hour's drive west of where I live in Eastpointe, but I wanted to let history fans on the Eastside know as well, so we got in the Eastsider. |
 |
Northville has its own local magazine called "The Ville." Sue Marie, from Mill Race, contacted this magazine, who, in turn, contacted me, so we were also in there as well! |
Lexington was over...now onto Concord. There was no better time for the spectators to hear Revolutionary War-era music by the Plymouth Fife & Drum Corps.
 |
| These kids were (and are) amazing! |
 |
| "The Plymouth Fife and Drum Corps consists of students, ranging in ages 12 – 18, who gather from Plymouth and surrounding communities year round in preparation for their performance season." |
 |
Given the fact that they have period clothing added greatly rather than wear suits and tuxedos worn by some of the other groups I've seen. |
Copy and paste the following link into your browser to see and hear this wonderful group:
https://www.facebook.com/pfdc.us/videos/1177891264037284
It was an honor to have The Plymouth Fife and Drum Corps join us again this year, and I look forward to them taking part with us again on the 4th of July at Mill Race Village.
Before the British arrived in Concord, women played a significant role in the Patriot cause by hiding and burying valuable items, including silver.
 |
| The ladies of Concord march to the local farms to bury their silver. |
Lydia Mulliken, for example, hid her silver around her property, including in her yard, well, and shop, before fleeing for safety as the British approached. Upon her return, she found her shop burned and much of her silver stolen.
By the way, Miss Muliken was the fiance of Dr. Samuel Prescott, who rode with Paul Revere the night before, on April 18th. Sadly for her, later in the War, Dr. Prescott joined the crew of a privateer, but was captured by the British and taken to a prison camp in Halifax, Nova Scotia. At the State Archives of Halifax, Dr. Samuel Prescott is listed on a prison roster as a prisoner from 1776-1777. He became ill and never recovered. Samuel, along with other deceased prisoners, are all buried in unmarked graves outside the walls of the prison at Ft. Ticonderoga.
Other women in the area also hid valuables, including Rebecca Barrett, whose farm was a hiding place for military supplies. This was done to protect these valuable items from being confiscated or damaged by the British troops who were searching homes for contraband.
Women's actions, while seemingly small, were crucial in preserving the Patriot cause by ensuring the protection of necessary supplies and valuables during a chaotic and dangerous time.
 |
| "Nothing to see here...!" Trying to block anyone from seeing their actions on hiding their valuables. |
 |
| I plan to increase the coverage of this action for future Patriot's Day events and have it on the schedule. |
 |
| Bravo to these living historians for showing another piece of history that is mostly little known - bravo to Charotte for bringing it to light and making it happen! |
 |
| The various militiamen throughout the area were finding their way to Concord... |
 |
| ...and did a bit more drilling to be ready. |
 |
| Arriving in Concord at approximately 8:00 a.m., British commanders Francis Smith and John Pitcairn order several companies, about 220 troops in all, to secure the North Bridge across the Concord River. |
As the Regulars drew near, the throb of their drums could be heard.
The enemy halted near the meeting-house, sent parties of troops to various places in the town in search of publick stores, and detached men to take possession of the bridge, over which the militia had retreated.
The militiamen were ordered to load their weapons. Many had done so already; some deliberately double-shotted their muskets. There were strict orders not to fire unless the British fired first. It was agreed by the leaders that if the fighting began, which was felt to be inevitable, the Regulars must start it.
The Regulars at the bridge never imagined these 'country people' would dare to march against the King's troops.
 |
| Captain Walter Laurie saw with horror that one of his own Regulars had fired without orders. Then two other British soldiers fired before he could stop them. Then the front ranks of British troops discharged a ragged volley, much in the same manner as in Lexington. The infantry fired high, and most of their volley passed harmlessly over the heads of the militia. Thaddeus Blood remembered that "their balls whistled well." |
 |
| Captain Davis of Acton was killed instantly by a ball that pierced his heart. The arterial blood squirted from his wound, and drenched the men beside him. Private Hosmer was shot dead with a bullet to the head. Still the Americans came on steadily with a discipline that astonished their enemy. |
 |
| Hearing many muskets fire at one time is truly a travel-back-in-time experience! |
 |
| The Bedford Flag, that you see here in this photo, is the oldest known flag in the United States. It is associated with the Minutemen of Bedford, Massachusetts, and the Battles of Lexington and Concord of 1775. I purchased it a few years ago and brought it along this year for the 250th. I have, on order, another flag that was flown at this battle, the Forster flag. You'll see that here next year.. |
As David Hackett Fischer wrote in Paul Revere's Ride: Some units carried flags of great antiquity, which had been passed down from the Puritan founders of New England. One of them survives today in the town of Bedford, Massachusetts. It was made in England sometime in the 17th century, and used as early as 1659 in Massachusetts. Against a crimson background, it shows the arm of God reaching down from the clouds, with a short sword in a mailed fist. A Latin motto reads, "Vince aut Morire" (Conquer or Die). According to traditions of the town, this flag was carried on the morning of April 19, 1775, by Cornet Nathaniel Page of the Bedford militia.
I am proud to say we had such a flag carried into our reenactment!
 |
| The New England muskets rang out with deadly accuracy by aiming carefully and firing low. Of eight British officers at the North Bridge, four were hit in the first American fire, and at least three privates were killed. On top of that, nine others were wounded. |
 |
| Historically at Concord, the Regulars found themselves caught in a trap. The New England minutemen and militia were deployed in two long files curving down the hill along the causeway. Many men in that formation had a clear shot. The British soldiers were packed in a deep churning mass; only the front rank could fire. The loss of officers compounded the confusion. |
 |
| The Concord fight , with all of its unequaled and un-eclipsed glory, was won by Massachusetts militiamen. |
 |
To the amazement of the American militia, the Regulars suddenly turned and ran for their lives. It was a rare spectacle in military history. A picked force of British infantry, famed for its indomitable courage on many a field in battle, was broken by a band of American militia. British Ensign Lister wrote, "The weight of their fire was such that we was obliged to give way, then run with the greatest precipitance." |
The British light infantry ran pell-mell back toward Concord center, defying their officers and abandoning their wounded, who were left to painfully drag themselves away.
The American militia watched, less in exhilaration than in what seems to have been a kind of shock, as the Regulars disappeared in the distance, followed by wounded men "hobbling and a-running and looking back to see if we was after them."
 |
| The road here at Mill Race was transformed into the infamous "Battle Road." |
 |
| Colonial militiamen and British soldiers engaged in a fight along this route as the British retreated back to Boston. This engagement is often referred to as the "running battle" or the "Battle Road". |
 |
| Finding no silver or hidden militiamen inside the Hunter House, two of The King's Regulars leave the structure untouched. |
 |
From Lieut. Colonel Smith, in a letter to Massachusetts Governor Gage: "On our leaving Concord to return to Boston, they began to fire on us from behind the walls, ditches, trees, etc., which, as we marched, increased to a very great degree, and continued without the intermission of five minutes altogether, for, I believe, upwards of eighteen miles; so that I can't think but it must have been a preconcerted scheme in them, to attack the King's troops the first favorable opportunity that offered, otherwise, I think they could not, in so short a time as from our marching out, have raised such a numerous body, and for so great a space of ground." |
 |
| The Regulars, the militia, and even the Plymouth fife & drum corps (a few of who marched with the British) did an amazing job showing Battle Road. |
 |
| The retreat continued across a swale of open land...The few officers left in the vanguard formed a line across the road, facing backward toward the column, and tried desperately to force their men into ranks...they began to form under heavy fire. |
"The enemy retreated and were followed. We saw a wood at a distance, which appeared to lie on or near the road the enemy must pass. Many leaped over the wall and made for that wood. We arrived just in time to meet the enemy." Edmund Foster
Lord Hugh Percy, writing after the battles at Lexington and Concord in 1775, famously stated: "Whoever looks upon them as an irregular mob will find themselves much mistaken." He also noted that the "rebel" militia showed surprising determination and that the insurrection might not be as easily dismissed as some in England might believe.
 |
| The American officers were prominent in the fighting, keeping their men...engaged. More military companies from Bedford, Woburn, and Billerica joined the fight. Their numbers were small but they were aggressively led by Bedford's Captain Jonathan Wilson, who had little respect for his enemies and a great desire for close combat. Earlier that morning, when he and his men stopped on their march at the Fitch Tavern in Bedford, he was heard to boast, "We'll have every dog of them before night." |
 |
| Lest anyone think what reenactors do is child's play - these muskets are the real deal (no bullet, though lol). |
 |
| Firing at high elevation for safety purposes. |
 |
| Battle Road was formerly known as the Old Concord Road. |
"Concord Fight" broke the ice. "Concord Fight," the rush from the heights at North Bridge, was the first open marshalled resistance to the king. Our fathers, cautious men, took there a step that they could not take back if they would and would not if they could.
 |
| I gave a thank you speech with a round of applause for our military participants. |
 |
| By the time we snapped this image, many reenactors had left. Next year I'll have to announce the group photo for all participants - soldier and civilian. |
 | ||
Though I did take over 200 pictures, there were plenty of amazing photographers all over the area, snapping some amazing photos, such as what we have here, as taken by B&K Photography.
|
 |
| Doug and Dalton Lee and the 49th regiment of Foote, as usual, did an awesome portrayal of General Gage's Redcoats. Great thanks to all! |
 |
| These are men from varying reenacting units coming together to portray the Massachusetts militia. They, too, did an amazing job!! |
And still...
 |
Preacher Jonas Clark gave a prayer - one that was said at the time. Clarke’s impact extended far beyond the pulpit, as his influential sermons and compassionate leadership fostered a sense of unity and resilience among the people of Lexington. As the winds of revolution swept across the colonies, Clarke’s dedication to the cause of liberty became resolute. A fervent supporter of American independence, he stepped beyond the boundaries of his pastoral duties, immersing himself in revolutionary organizations. Clarke’s involvement in groups such as the Sons of Liberty and the Committee of Safety further exemplified his commitment to the fight for freedom. |
Clarke’s contributions extended far beyond the Battle of Lexington. As a spiritual leader during a time of immense turmoil, he provided moral guidance, nurturing the spirits of the patriots. His resolute belief in the righteousness of their cause inspired the soldiers on the front lines and the civilians supporting the revolution from their homes. The Battle of Lexington stood as a testament to Clarke’s unwavering commitment, and his influence reverberated throughout the American Revolution, igniting the flames of freedom that would shape the destiny of the nation.
 |
| Here I am with my good friend Norman Gerring. Norm has been portraying the unsung hero of the American Revolution: a town minister. He comes out with us to our colonial cabin excursions and very much adds that 18th century religious experience that doesn't seem to be spoken about very often these days. |
He and I are good friends outside of reenacting and oftentimes will visit Greenfield Village together, sometimes while in period clothing, other times in modern clothing.
Another good friend of mine:
 |
| Ben Franklin, who was not at Lexington & Concord (though I thought it a good idea to have a prominent Founding Father at the event for the spectators) gave a speech and spoke on a variety of topics. |
 |
| Bob Stark portrays Benjamin Franklin~ |
 |
| G'wan! We're all friends here! |
 |
| Tony and Brent heading up the militia! Fantastic job! |
 |
| Mill Race Village put in a brick road, which, in my opinion, actually gives us more of an 18th century feel. |
 |
| Lexington men - Lexington citizens~ |
 |
| Xavier comes from Canada to participate - I do appreciate it! |
 |
| The ladies flank Captain John Parker (Ken Roberts) |
 |
| Jenny and... |
 |
| ...Amy. |
 |
| Ken, Barb, and Mark~ These three are often found doing Voyageur living history. |
 |
| We had a pretty good amount of spectators. When I spoke to them, I made sure to push that it was our nation's Semiquincentennial - 250th. I like to think we gave them a grand lesson in American history. Plus they came out on such a cool, dank day! Kudos! |
Out of the five years this event has been taking place here at Mill Race Village, I have no doubt this year of 2025 - the 250th anniversary - was our best in every way. I like to think that we did honor to those back in 1775 who actually played a part in some way or another, soldier and civilian, American and British.
I wasn't old enough to really take part in the Bicentennial 50 years ago.
I am now---and I am now!!
Until next time, see you in time.
So many people to thank for making the past come to life:
~The Lee Family (Doug, Dalton, and Sheila) and the 49th Regiment of Foot
You guys are...how can I put this?...freaking awesome! Thank you! And I appreciate you understanding the need to have Redcoats to make history come to life!
~Tony Gerring and his 1st Pennsylvania group---and all from a variety of different units who portrayed the Massachusetts militia---like the Redcoats, you guys are freaking awesome! Thank you!
~Sue Marie and historic Mill Race Village - this goes without saying, for they said "yes" to my querie!!
~The Citizens of the American Colonies---and all of the civilians who came out, whether ro speak to the public, to "work" at the tavern, to hide silver, or even to add ambience---thank you!
~To Jason Monarch for bringing Jade the horse---my friend, you made my year!! This was outageously amazing! An extreme high point in my living history adventures!
~Brent and Charlotte and Mark and the SAR and...just everyone!
And thank you to the following photographers for allowing me to add their pictures to my own for this blog post:
Kevin Amos & Beth Beley (B&K Photography)
Kevin Amos & Beth Beley (B&K Photography)
Barb Baldinger
Charlotte Bauer
Norman Gerring
Patty Giorlando (my wife)
Bob Jacobs
Ian Kushnir
Jenny Long
Amy Pempeit
Chris White
If you are interested in seeing how my previous Mill Race Patriots Day events have been:
And then here are a few times I celebrated---commemorated---this day on my own before Mill Race:
This was during the second year of the covid scare, so Mill Race decided to remain quiet for one more year.
Jonas Clark information came from THIS site
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
No comments:
Post a Comment