To commemorate the upcoming 250th anniversary of the American Revolution on July 4, 2026, an early event will take place on April 19, 2025, from 4:30 p.m. to 8 p.m. at Lexington’s Old Mill Pond Trail located at 711 East Main St. 

The event is free and attendees will learn more about the battle that changed history and gave Lexington its name.

Individuals will also get to see living history exhibits, lantern tours that feature actors from Soda City Theatre Company, cannon demonstrations and hands-on activities that will be presented by the Cayce Historical Museum and Lexington County Museum. 

A tribute will take place at 7:30 p.m. where attendees will raise a shot of cinnamon whiskey from Hollow Creek Distillery in tribute to the “Shot Heard Round the World." A non-alcoholic option will be available as well.

On April 19, 1775, a pivotal moment, known as the “Shot Heard Round the World,” took place when colonial militia stood their ground against British forces in Massachusetts. This event refers to the opening shots of the Battles of Lexington and Concord, officially starting the American Revolutionary War.

The phrase, “Shot Heard Round the World,” was coined by Ralph Waldo Emerson in his 1837 poem, “Concord Hymn," which recognizes the sacrifice of those who died during the Battle of Concord.

In 1785, Lexington County was established, changing the name from Saxe Gotha to Lexington to honor the legacy and connect South Carolina to this event. 

"Created by the Lexington County Council in 2023 and operating under the SC250 umbrella, [the 250 American Revolution: Lexington County committee] is dedicated to commemorating, preserving, and promoting Lexington County’s role in the American Revolution—ensuring these stories inspire generations to come," according to a release from the Capital City/Lake Murray Country Regional Tourism Board.

This committee includes: Capital City/Lake Murray Country, Lexington County SC, Lexington County Museum, Cayce Historical Museum, Lexington Chamber and Visitors Center, Town of Lexington SC, DAR/SAR and Discover South Carolina.

Visit https://www.lakemurraycountry.com/event/the-shot-event/ for more information.

January 2025 reporting from the Chronicle details how communities all over South Carolina, as well as S.C. legislators, are preparing for the 250th anniversary, also called the Sestercentennial or the Semiquincentennial.

South Carolina, a hub of historical events that shaped the U.S., has launched southcarolina250.com.

“Chartered by the SC General Assembly in 2018 … ‘which shall have the authority and responsibility to plan and execute, insofar as authorized and funded by the General Assembly, a proper observance of the Sestercentennial of the American Revolution in South Carolina, and in cooperation with the South Carolina Battleground Preservation Trust; a national organization, if any; and other similar commemorative organizations in other states. This proper observance of the Sestercentennial must include the role of persons of African-American descent in the Revolutionary War,’” the website reads.

The website serves as a guide for events happening across the state, as well as historical sites commemorating the 250th anniversary of the American Revolution.

In Lexington County, the following historical sites are listed, with some explanation:

• Cayce Historical Museum, 1800 12th St. “[T]he legend of Emily Geiger who delivered a secret message from General Nathanael Greene to General Thomas Sumter in 1781 is compelling. While she had ties to Newberry, Fairfield, and Lexington, her capture at Fort Granby is what is honored at the Cayce Museum.”
• 12,000 Year History Park, 1120 Fort Congaree Trail “Connected to the Riverwalk along the west side of the Congaree River, the 12,000 Year History Park has been witness to 12,000 years of history from mammoths to Native Americans to Revolutionary history.”
• The Lexington Museum, 231 Fox St. “The Revolutionary Era is more than just battles and skirmishes. Many of the Dutch Fork settlers just wanted to be left alone to take care of their families. The Lexington County Museum site hosts over 30 structures where there is a ‘story behind every door.’ Three of the structures give you a glimpse at Dutch Fork life during the Revolutionary Era.”

The S.C. 250 website is full of educational material, opportunities for the public and more.