North Bridge – Minuteman Statue, Concord

In the first seconds, there was shock, as it registered upon everyone that the British had fired live ammunition. “Fire, fellow soldiers! For God’s sake, fire!” cried Maj. John Buttrick, to his men, and immediately muskets rang out in a ragged volley as the companies began to spread out on either side of the bridge. The British arrayed themselves in street fighting formation, which did not allow a broad front for soldiers to fire from. Within moments, they were taking fire from both front and sides. Davis’ minute company was well-drilled in marksmanship and their shots took a deadly toll on the Regulars.