Introduction: A Living History Experience
Happy Spring! Celebrating our freedom and liberty.
Many of you know me as a novice historian with a deep love of learning from living historians. This past weekend, I stepped into the shoes of our forefathers and mothers, musket in hand, at the America 250 Celebration – Patriots’ Day Parade, commemorating the Battles of Lexington and Concord.
Marching with the Sons of the American Revolution Color Guard militia was unlike anything I’d ever done. I’d walked behind them before as a “camp follower,” but this time, I carried a musket on my shoulder, kept cadence, and trekked five miles in full colonial gear. Exhausting? Yes. Enlightening? Absolutely. Yet, I can only imagine what our soldiers endured in their exhausting treks.
With deep gratitude for being a member of the Daughters of the American Revolution, I am dedicated to empowering others by sharing patriotism, education, and historic preservation insights. My personal drive to walk with the militia celebrates the women and children, “camp followers” across the ages, who traveled with their military spouses wherever they were directed to go. These tenacious women were wives, mothers, homemakers, healers, and fighters, too! They had great flexibility for setting up camp in an instant. I truly appreciate exploring stories of unsung heroes and gaining insight into what really happened from living historians along the way.
It is fascinating to learn of rarely heard stories while participating in parades and attending ceremonies, celebrations, and historic tours. Some dedicated historians are very well aware of our history, however, most people have heard only parts from people who are quite wrong. Hearing these secret stories from personal perspectives, I’ve learned only a fraction of what really, really happened. It’s a shame that much of our history is lost and forgotten in scripted history books. I’m happy to share some of what I’m learning… with you.
So… Would you like to hear a story or two?
The British Soldier in the Tavern
A favorite memory? Two years ago, at the Colonial Inn in Concord, a group of British soldiers in red coats walked into the tavern. I jokingly asked one, “Why would you want to be a Red Coat?” He replied, “Because I’m British!” Fair point.
He joined us at the table, and we had a spirited conversation about the upcoming 250th Celebration. He was passionate about being involved in historic reenactments. Many were making plans for this weekend’s celebration. These guys would come all the way from England, and others from all over the world, to participate in this significant event.
This soldier wanted to be involved in the 250th reenactment activities, but would not be able to use his musket. He could bring it into the US, but the UK would not allow it back due to British laws. I’m watching in amazement as our colonial militia guys offer to share their muskets. One says, “I’ve got an extra Brown Bess.” Another had one, and another. “We can drum up a few dozen muskets for you so we can shoot at one another!”
How ironic. It was interesting how this group of guys was so interested in historic reenacting that they would share their muskets for the great battle scene. Of course, there are no bullets involved… Just lots of smoke and noise.
It’s amazing to be involved in and listen to the real stories from all sides of what happened. That’s the kind of passion and unity this community has for honoring the true stories of history.
Correcting the Record: What History Books & Blogs Get Wrong
I’ve noticed some bloggers making the false claim that George Washington led the Battle of Lexington. He wasn’t there. Washington didn’t enter the war until after the Battle of Bunker Hill. These initial battles weren’t led by generals but by local militia commanders, colonists who were farmers, shopkeepers, and merchants. Many had fought with the British in the French and Indian War, but our colonial army was yet to be formed.
This wasn’t a polished army—it was groups of passionate, hard-working people pushed to the brink by hunger, poverty, and injustice.
Being part of living history gives such insights into what people experienced, and is far from what is written in history books. It’s unbelievable. While in Boston for the celebration of Paul Revere’s ride, based on my interpretation of the poem, I was expecting the British soldiers to come from across the sea. I was surprised to learn they were already here from across the sea. The signal “Two if by sea…” meant something else entirely.
A Glimpse into Boston’s Tea Party
It’s December of 1773; the colonists were angry about King George imposing taxes on them to pay for the French and Indian War. Even though the only tax left was a mere 3% tax on imported tea, which was a staple for the British, the colonists were annoyed. One night, they dumped all the tea from a merchant ship into the water. No one was hurt, but it created quite an uproar.
Forgotten Roles of Women in the Revolution
Here’s a connecting story… The colonists considered themselves British citizens, and the British soldiers lived among them. The locals called the soldiers Regulars or Red Coats. Many women worked in the taverns, serving the soldiers, while listening to what was said. Of course, they were often ignored, because… they were women. These invisible tavern wenches became the best spies! They listened for information to share with their men.
One of the things consistently heard was that the British soldiers felt the Natives all looked the same. So, while planning the Tea Party raid, it was women who came up with the idea to have the men disguise themselves as Natives, because the soldiers wouldn’t be able to identify them.
Realize, the Red Coats and the colonists knew each other. They lived in the same neighborhoods, went to the same churches, shopped together, and even had children who played together. They were all part of the community. So, it was important not to be recognized while dumping expensive tea into the bay.
Women were also instrumental in getting the tar cleaned off their men quickly. When the soldiers came knocking in the middle of the night, the men were in bed, and the women had smelly kettles of tar-water. Telling the soldiers they were treating sick children, the soldiers quickly left. The women played such an incredible role in everything that happened. They had a vested interest in protecting their homes and family.
Learn more about the Boston Tea Party in this blog and show: Celebrating the Boston Tea Party with Special Guests – American Patriots – Lois Hermann & Associates
High Tensions, Siege, and Starvation
Let me set the stage for what happened before Paul Revere’s ride… It wasn’t just about the tea tax.
Think of this. After the tea incident, King George III ordered the soldiers to lay siege to the busy port city of Boston, which at the time was virtually an island at high tide. All business from the shipping docks was shut down. They were locked down. There were no incoming products for over a year. The only ships entering the harbor brought supplies for the British troops. Soldiers were fed and used a lot of supplies from the colonists.
Consider these British soldiers for a moment. Most were young men in their twenties, away from home and paid very little. In their off hours, they worked at the docks for extra pay. So not only had the soldiers infiltrated among the colonists and blocked their supplies, but they also took their jobs.
The colonists were starving. They were hungry and angry because their livelihood was going to the soldiers. Tensions were very high. Because of the potential uprising, the King ordered his military to secure all munitions from the colonists. There were several skirmishes where stores of gunpowder were taken by the British troops. The colonists started securing their gunpowder and weapons in secret places.
There were several instances across Massachusetts and Rhode Island where the British soldiers confiscated people’s muskets and gun powder. The people were getting angrier and angrier. They needed their guns to hunt for food and defend their homes from wildlife and perpetrators.
Colonial Militia – Minute Men, Alarm Riders & The Shot NOT Heard Round the World
The colonists formed militia units who drilled regularly. Men aged 16 – 60 were requested to participate. Many of these men had fought alongside the British in the French and Indian War, so they were familiar with military tactics. Commanders from earlier wars stepped up to train militia units. A subset of the militia trained vigorously and became known as Minute Men – ready at a minute’s notice to step away from their ploughs into action. They were also actively storing gunpowder, muskets, and a variety of other munitions in secure places in preparation for what was to come.
In the fall of 1774, the patriot leaders established a network of alarms and express riders across the region to warn locals of the Red Coats’ activities. A group of these colonial resisters called the Sons of Liberty met regularly to discuss strategy and plans of action.
In December of 1774, Paul Revere rode from Boston to warn the citizens of Portsmouth, New Hampshire, that the British navy was sending ships to their only port city, Portsmouth. He told them of the decree from the King to capture all munitions from the colonists. Fort William & Mary was the storehouse for New Hampshire’s munitions. In the first true act of treason, the local militia removed their munitions from the fort without any bloodshed. They secured gunpowder, guns, cannons, and munitions.
Learn more about the Powder Raid on Fort William & Mary at this blog: New Hampshire’s 1774 Powder Raid on Fort William & Mary – The Shot Not Heard Round the World – Lois Hermann & Associates
Of note… a correction to the statement “The British are coming”. These folks were all British! The call that sounded was “The Red Coats are coming.”
Leading To That Fateful Night
Imagine… it is now April of 1775. A year and four months after Boston’s infamous Tea Party. Boston citizens had been under siege for over a year. Food was scarce, smallpox was spreading, and British soldiers were seizing munitions. One in five people in Boston was a British soldier. One in five. Living among one another, there was a lot of dissent, distrust, and distress. Tensions were boiling… it was simply a matter of time.
At that time, Boston was truly an island, except for one narrow “neck” of land across the south side. The signal… “one if by land” meant that the soldiers would march across that neck of land and head to Concord by the southern road. “Two if by sea” indicated they would cross the Charles River by boat to the Charlestown side and march the northern route to Concord.
Secret Signals – Two If By Sea
On April 17, 1775, the patriot leaders received word that the British army was preparing a march to Concord to destroy the suspected supply of munitions stockpiled in Concord, including several cannons. The intention was to confiscate or destroy the colonists’ military supplies, as they had done many times. They were not necessarily prepared for battle. As the soldiers set out in the middle of the night, it had been raining for several days… they were cold, wet, and already tired.
When word came that the British army was on the march to Concord, a series of events set the stage for what was to happen that would change world history. The signal was well known: One if by land… Two if by sea…
Robert Newman, a church sexton, was one of two brave souls who climbed the steeple of the Old North Church and hung two lanterns. The signal was brief as someone was watching to alert the Alarm Riders… Two if by sea, and I on the opposite shore shall be… At exactly 10 o’clock, two lanterns were lit for one brief minute. This set off a complex chain of lanterns that were lit across the countryside to spread the word. Newman was arrested the next morning.
The Ride of Paul Revere and Others
Paul Revere, a craftsman, silversmith, bell maker, dentist, and experienced horseman, lived near the church. He was also well known as an instigator, so the Red Coats had his number. They knew or suspected who the rebels were, and who the Tories were – those loyal to the King.
At the Old North Church signal, Paul quietly left his home, walked quickly to the wharf, rowed across the Charles River, received a strong horse, and started his ride across the northern route to warn folks in those communities. Paul raced to Lexington, warning residents, including Samuel Adams and John Hancock, who had been hiding there, as there were warrants for their arrests.
At the same time, William Dawes galloped across the land route to warn folks along that southern route. Their alarm initiated a series of riders that spread across the land, alerting others across the region to what was happening. That night, a network of 30 – 40 riders traveled into the night to warn the sleeping Minute Men across several New England states, including New Hampshire, Connecticut, Rhode Island, New York, and Vermont.
Revere Arrested – Prescott Continues
After warning the Lexington folks, Revere and Dawes continued to Concord together. On the ride, they encountered a fellow patriot, Dr. Samuel Prescott, who was returning home after courting his lady. Prescott agreed to join the alarm, which was a good thing. Shortly after, at 1:00 am, Revere and Dawes got stopped at a checkpoint.
Imagine there were checkpoints all along the route because the army had taken over the roads. Revere was arrested. The soldiers focused on this known instigator and didn’t bother to chase after Prescott because he was just some dude courting his lady. Prescott jumps a stone fence with his horse and races off to Concord. Dawes managed to escape into the night.
Revere was detained and released without his horse. He walked home. Yes, Paul Revere began the famous ride, but it was Dr. Samuel Prescott who actually made it to Concord. He escaped the soldiers and helped initiate a series of alert riders who spread the word far and wide across the countryside.
The real Midnight Riders story isn’t just one name, it’s of many unsung heroes. This is part of the story that we don’t hear. Revere was more famous, and his name fit better in Longfellow’s poem, which was written 85 years later, therefore, Paul was the one memorialized in history.
Alert Rider Sybil Luddington
A brief update on the story of Sybil Luddington, a 17-year-old girl who was involved as an alert rider in Connecticut. Sybil was able to carry messages through checkpoints because… who would suspect a young girl? The soldiers had checkpoints all along the roads. Men would be captured because they were often well-known instigators. Courageous Sybil made it through where many men were captured. Her dad was a doctor, so she got through checkpoints by saying she was traveling on a medical emergency. What amazing ingenuity and courage!
Lexington Green and the Shot Heard Round the World
Meanwhile, a regiment of 700 Red Coats was already on its way to the little town of Lexington, Massachusetts. At 5:00 am, 77 colonial militia gathered at the Lexington green ready to face the British soldiers. Someone fired a shot into the crowd, which started a trigger-happy skirmish. The Red Coats fired into the line of colonists, killing 8 colonial militia. Two British soldiers were injured in the scuffle that only lasted one minute. The militia wasn’t prepared to battle so many soldiers, so they disappeared into the early morning mist. This small scuffle has become known as the “Shot Heard Round the World”.
The Soldiers found nothing in Lexington and continued their march to Concord. Can you imagine being a farmer and looking out your window to a sea of 700 red-coated soldiers marching 4-5 abreast? Their line would stretch as far as the eye could see. Talk about intimidating.
That morning, women packed their husbands’ haversacks with food, water, and gunpowder packets, never knowing if they would see them again. Their next effort was to hide the children, food, and any treasures. Burying their silver and taking the children to safety in the woods, they were scared and very brave.
Concord – First Advance of the Minute Men
By the time the soldiers arrived in Concord around 7:00 am, the regiment of 700 broke into smaller scouting parties to scour the area for munitions. One group discovered a storehouse and set it ablaze, while another group of about 20 soldiers headed to the Old North Bridge.
This time, the militia was ready. By 9:30 am, over 400 colonial militia had assembled in the fields overlooking the North Bridge. They saw smoke rising from Concord and thought the Red Coats were burning their homes. They were on high alert, having heard the gunshots from Lexington and seeing the smoke rising over Concord, they assumed the soldiers were attacking. Acting on this misinformation, they initiated an active fire at the bridge.
The 400 militia charged down the hill and engaged with the small group of British soldiers. This was the first command that ordered the militia to fire against the King – the first overt act of treason involving bloodshed. There were no injuries at the capture of Fort William & Mary. The battle at the Old North Bridge in Concord caused the first two British soldier casualties.
Battle Road Retreat
Remember, the British Regulars were trained to fight in rows against other rows of soldiers. In their battles, they lined up in a civilized manner and shot at one another across open fields. That wasn’t the way the colonists fought. The colonial militia was trained as soldiers in another way. As farmers and hunters, they were quite familiar with the wooded and rocky terrain. These guys were strong and hearty. They were used to shooting wildlife, bears, and coyotes, and hunting for food. They were trained to fight more like the Natives in the woods, hiding behind trees, rock walls, and fences.
By 1:00 pm, the British soldiers were on the run. Responding to the network of signals and alert riders, in a few short hours, over 4,000 colonial militia from 27 Massachusetts towns had gathered along the route, ready to join the fight. They were strategically staged along what is now called Battle Road. Can you imagine 4,000 Minute Men answered the call to stand up for their land and liberty in a matter of hours? They were ready. The colonists were so fed up with being intimidated, controlled, and their families starving. They had the Red Coats on the run and used strategic tactical methods to keep them on the run.
There was also confusion within the British ranks because many of these young soldiers were trained to fight a certain way and had never actually engaged in battle. They were tired, wet, hungry, and very scared. The British soldiers were afraid, disorganized, and trigger-happy. They weren’t used to fighting in terrain like this, and besides, this was not how they were supposed to fight.
Running Battle and Parker’s Revenge
The Red Coats were met with a continuous barrage of fire as they retreated to Boston with the coordinated efforts of 4,000 militia ambushing them from houses and woodlands along the way. In the running battle toward Lexington, the British soldiers encountered Colonel Parker, who was ready this time. It was men in his militia who were killed earlier in the day at the Lexington green. His unit staged a surprise attack to avenge his men who had fallen that morning.
By the time the soldiers hit the town of Menotomy, even though they received some reinforcements, they engaged in one of the bloodiest battles on their return route. The war could have ended in Charlestown; however, the colonial militia, for reasons unknown, let the soldiers through.
So Begins the War for Independence
The running battle stretched over 16 miles from Concord at noon, with the soldiers returning exhausted to Boston at 9:00 pm. By the end of this fateful day, the British lost over 73 soldiers, had 174 wounded, and 53 missing. The colonists lost 49 militia with 41 wounded.
Amazingly, by the end of three short days, nearly 20,000 militia had heard the call from surrounding states, including NH, CT, RI, PA, and NY. The new colonial army was forming and surrounded the city of Boston, laying siege to the British soldiers for eleven months. Have you heard that story?
This fateful day started eight tragic years of the Revolutionary War for Independence. Learning tidbits of history from living historians that you won’t find in history books is so rewarding. Thank you for allowing me to share them with you.
Roman Soldiers and Red Coats
Interestingly, the Patriots’ Day celebration happened this year on Easter weekend. Reflecting on what Jesus went through during his time in Judea, the Roman soldiers had infiltrated, invaded, and taken over the local towns. The soldiers were living among the Galileans and the Judeans, intimidating people, taking their resources, and taxing them. It was the same thing the colonists faced.
The Roman soldiers conquered lands throughout Europe. They captured people’s lands across many countries and into Great Britain. The parallels to Roman occupation in Jesus’ time are chilling. Then, like in the colonial days, soldiers lived among the people, taking their jobs, resources, and freedoms.
Except… in the colonial days, you knew a British soldier because he wore a red coat. In Jesus’ day, you knew a Roman soldier because he wore a Roman soldier’s uniform. The same is not so true today.
Echoes of the Past in the Present
We are dealing with the same conquer and conquest attitude today. The war we are experiencing now is an insidious one. We don’t know who the oppressors are. That’s the scary part. The same sort of divide-and-takeover attitude comes from bureaucrats and corrupt government officials. They are also taking over control of people’s minds.
Back then, you knew you were at war. Now, many people are unaware that we are in the midst of a war. They’re not seeing what’s happening. There are innocent people on both sides. Marching in this parade, seeing the protest signs to stop taxes and stop tariffs, I realized how many still don’t understand. Many are programmed. When will they wake up? When will we learn from our mistakes?
In today’s war, the battle is insidious. You can’t recognize opposition based on uniforms. Control comes through manipulation, not muskets. And yet, we must remember… “We wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities and powers in high places.”
This isn’t just a celebration of the past. It’s a call to remember, to awaken, and to stand for truth today. We must have faith that we are divinely guided to do what we can to change the world for the better.
Many Blessings for Life, Liberty, and the Pursuit of Happiness,
Lois Hermann
If you like to watch video stories, enjoy this reading. Also, keep an eye out for a wonderful video medley created by my friend Sharon with the addition of great photos of the events from my friend, Lydia!