The beginning of the American War for Independence (Revolutionary War) began with what has been called "the shot heard round the world." The first time shots were fired in this war was at Lexington, Massachusetts, on the morning of April 19, 1775.

Who fired the first shot at Lexington--the Americans or the British? While this question has been pondered for over two hundred years, a clear-cut answer has not been found. In essence, no one knows who fired the first shot.

Fortunately, you, as a historian, have an opportunity to read a couple of primary source documents and try to determine for yourself what really happened on Lexington Green. Take note of the differences in these descriptions and think about the reasons the individuals might have had for telling the story as they did. Here is part of an account from a colonial militiaman about the events at Lexington that fateful morning: