Running Battle: Concord to Charlestown

After the engagement at North Bridge, the British began their retreat from Concord around noon. What followed was a running battle stretching nearly 20 miles back to Charlestown. Militia companies from dozens of towns lined the route, firing from behind stone walls, trees, and buildings. The British column, initially disciplined, began to break down under the constant harassment. Only the arrival of a relief column under Lord Percy at Lexington, with artillery, prevented the expedition's complete destruction. By day's end, the British suffered 273 casualties (73 killed, 174 wounded, 26 missing) compared to 95 American casualties. The long retreat demonstrated that colonial militia could effectively resist professional British troops.