Lexington was not the first place colonial militia and British Regulars faced off

Lexington was not the first place colonial militia and British Regulars faced off. The clashes between the local militia and British Regular soldiers on April 19, 1775, were the culmination of numerous earlier incidents. Militia from Portsmouth, New Hampshire stormed Fort William and Mary on December 14 and 15 of 1774.

Despite having fewer than ten soldiers on duty, the British fort refused to fall to the militia force of about 300 men. Fighting broke out, leaving one British soldier hurt. The garrison eventually gave up, and over the course of two days, gunpowder, weapons, and 16 cannons were taken. Despite gunfire between colonial militia and British Regulars, a conflict was avoided. Until today, most people had forgotten about the incidents.