The Battle of April 19, 1775

A sweeping portrait of the opening day of the American Revolution, this work brings the clash of April 19, 1775 to life across the twenty‑mile stretch from Lexington to Charlestown. Drawing on official reports, diaries, letters and eyewitness testimonies, the author weaves together the frantic skirmishes, the roar of musket fire, and the desperate courage of ordinary farmers and soldiers alike. Detailed maps and vivid copper‑plate engravings, including rare images by Amos Doolittle, illustrate the terrain and moments that defined the early battles.

Beyond the famous engagements at Lexington and Concord, the narrative expands to the often‑overlooked fighting in Lincoln, Arlington, Cambridge, Somerville and the tragic death of a fourteen‑year‑old in Charlestown. The book also includes the muster rolls of the participating American companies, offering a tangible connection to the men who answered the call. Readers will come away with a richer, more nuanced understanding of the day that ignited a nation.