First Bloodshed

The situation around Boston becomes increasingly tense, as colonial militia become more determined to resist British occupation. They begin storing weapons and ammunition in outlying towns, preparing for a fight.

When the British send out an expedition to seize the munitions, they are met by a ragged line of militia at Lexington, and later in the day at Concord. Shots are fired, and the British are forced to scramble back to Boston.

Meanwhile, the siege of Boston is now in its seventh year. George Washington has been selected by the Continental Congress to organize militia positions, and the first real battle erupts, at Bunker Hill.
Lexington and Concord, 1775

  Lexington and Concord
As the British send troops out from Boston to seize militia stockpiles, Paul Revere makes his famous 'midnight ride' to spread warning. The British brush aside rag-tag patriots at Lexington, but are routed by organized militia at Concord, and forced into bloody retreat. Headlines declare it the 'Shot Heard Round the World,' signaling that Americans are now ready to stand and fight.

Siege of Boston, 1775-76

  Patriots Dig In
For the British, this is no longer colonial resistance. It's rebellion. They bring in 2,000 additional troops, and set about preparing fortifications to command Boston Harbor. The patriots, however, are also digging in, determined to continue their resistance. George Washington arrives from Virginia to organize fortified positions all around Boston, keeping the British bottled up. The British fume, as they prepare to break what has how become a siege.


Battle of Bunker Hill, 1775

  Battle of Bunker Hill
By summer, things are nearing a breaking point. When the British send out an expedition to prepare fortifications north of Boston, they find 1,200 patriot militia already dug into positions, on the high ground. A pitched battle ensues, with the British taking heavy losses. The patriots finally run low on ammunition, however, and are forced to abandon the hill. Regardless, they put up an impressive fight. There can be no doubt about the state of affairs in America anymore. This is WAR.