Database: Lexington

Lexington is a small farming community, and the site of the first battle of the American Revolution started. No, I'm not being overly dramatic - the first battle took place on Lexington green.

On the morning of April 19, 1775, British Regulars passed through Lexington on their way to Concord looking for hidden rebel weapon caches.

The Lexington militia, led by John Parker, formed up on the village green - probably more in a show of resistance than because they were expecting a real battle. The militia was badly outnumbered - about 70 of them to 700 British soldiers. John Pitcairn ordered the rebels to disperse, and they might have done so... except somebody fired a shot. Then, everyone started firing - those that weren't running, that is.

Several militia members were killed, the rest retreated. The British moved on toward Concord - though they would be harassed by the Lexington militia again on their return trip toward Boston.

Lexington's town motto is now "What a Glorious Morning for America" - though it's possible it didn't seem like on at the time. "Firing Guns and Then Running Away, Since 1775!" might have been a nice alternative. Every town needs a bumper sticker.