Revolution 250

Intaglio Print Showing the Surrender of British Commander Charles Cornwallis at Yorktown

“By the rude bridge that arched the flood,
Their flag to April's breeze unfurled,
Here once the embattled farmers stood,
And fired the shot heard round the world.”

— Ralph Waldo Emerson, “Concord Hymn”

On April 19, 1775, the first shots of the American Revolutionary War rang out in Lexington and Concord. The following eight years brought conflict and casualty across North America, the Caribbean, and the Atlantic Ocean. An end to the war came on September 3, 1783 with the signature of the Treaty of Paris, establishing the United States of America as an independent nation. 2025 marks 250 years since “the shot heard round the world.” Learn more about the events that transpired by browsing our curated digital exhibits below, or by viewing the full Revolution 250 digital collection.

Exhibits

Proclamation of King George III to suppress rebellion and sedition in the North American colonies

Lead-up to Revolution

In the 1760s and 1770s, British attempts to increase control over the American colonies were met with growing contempt and hostility.

French map showing 'the troubles of America'

Revolutionary War

In April of 1775, Paul Revere rode from Charlestown to Lexington to alert Revolutionary leaders that the British were marching toward Concord.

Lithograph showing the defeat of the British army at the Battle of New Orleans

Post-Revolution

The period following the Revolution was marked by great instability and change.

Pension application from Deborah Sampson Gannett

Minorities & the Revolution

During the American Revolutionary War, minority groups were vital to the American victory.

Battle of Bunker Hill

On June 17, 1775, during the Siege of Boston, colonial and British troops clashed over the strategic Bunker and Breed's Hills.

Revolution 250 Collection

Explore the full collection.

Revolution 250

Massachusetts Archives Digital Repository

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