250 Years of America

In the month of April, 250 years ago some small New England farming communities rose up against the British. This action helped to form our nation as it is today. Those towns, Lexington, Concord and other small farming communities northwest of Boston are planning celebrations to mark the Semiquincentennial of the events of April 19, 1775.  

It was a chilly spring day when the British forces faced off against Massachusetts militia men but little did they know that Paul Revere and some friends had spent the night riding the countryside to warn the residents that the British were coming. The British soldiers who were marching from Boston wanted to seize colonial military supplies stored in Concord.

When they arrived, a small force known as Minutemen, were waiting in the dim light of dawn. No one knows who fired the first shot, but one British soldier was killed as were eight Minutemen.  

The British marched on to the North Bridge where they found a much larger force of Minutemen. Both sides fought hard but the British finally retreated. As they tried to march back to Boston, several small towns gave them a running battle. They faced opposition in Lincoln, Lexington and Menotomy (now known as Arlington), where their militias were waiting for them. 

Communities in this area are planning a celebration of the 250th anniversary of the event that started the Revolutionary War. These celebrations are held each year on April 19 but much larger celebrations are planned for the 250th anniversary.

Starting across the nation, 250-year anniversary events will be held commemorating the birth of our nation. Utah will have a large kick-off event in Salt Lake City on July 4 and 5 this year. Garfield County is organizing a committee to plan events that will take place throughout the year of 2026. 

Those who would like to participate on this committee may contact the Garfield Travel Council at 435-676-8826 or Elaine Baldwin at 435-676 3498.

– by Elaine Baldwin