National Museum of the United States Army

In 1775, long-running tensions between colonists in New England and the representatives of the British government exploded into open conflict at Lexington and Concord, Massachusetts.

From this clash between Massachusetts Militia and British Regulars grew a New England Army of Observation that laid siege to Boston and, on June 14, 1775, officially become the Continental Army.

While conflict was not inevitable in 1775, it grew more likely as tensions rose that spring.

"The most natural and most eligible mode of attack on the part of the people is that of detached parties of Bushmen who from their adroitness in the habitual use of the Firelock suppose themselves sure of their mark at a distance of 200 rods. Should hostilities unhappily commence, the first opposition would be irregular, impetuous and incessant from the numerous Bodys that would swarm to the place of action, and all actuated by an enthusiasm wild and ungovernable . . ."

Maj. Gen. Thomas Gage, Commander in Chief of all British forces in North American and military governor of Massachusetts, 1775

Sources

Galvin, John R. The Minute Men: The First Fight: Myths and Realities of the American Revolution.
The Miriam and Ira D. Wallach Division of Art, Prints and Photographs: Print Collection; The New York Public Library
Yale Center for British Art, Paul Mellon Collection

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