Before sunrise on April 19, 1775, the battle began in Lexington. The Colonial militia tried to hold off the British regulars who came by sea to destroy the militia’s military supplies. The battle marked the start of the American Revolution. Ralph Waldo Emerson later called it “the shot heard round the world.”

On Saturday, April 19, hundreds of people came to the Old Mill Pond Trail in Lexington for the celebration of the 250th anniversary of the American Revolution. A welcome tent was set up near the walking tours, where attendees were given a special SC250 Anniversary American Revolution poster, a lantern and a pin to wear.

This family-friendly event featured historical reenactments, day and evening lantern tours, cannon demonstrations and hands-on history activities—a way to take a trip back in time to the beginning of the American Revolution. The event ended at 7:45 p.m. on the Old Mill Brew Pub patio with a toast ceremony.