British Retreat Through Lexington

By early afternoon, the British column was in full retreat from Concord, harassed by growing numbers of colonial militia firing from behind walls, trees, and houses. The original force was nearly overwhelmed when a relief column under Brigadier General Hugh Percy met them near Lexington Green with artillery and reinforcements.

Percy's brigade provided desperately needed cover, but the combined force still faced a brutal 16-mile march back to Boston through continuous ambush. The militia had transformed from an easily scattered rabble into a lethal swarm.

The British suffered significant casualties: 73 killed, 174 wounded, and 26 missing. American casualties were 49 killed, 39 wounded, and 5 missing. More importantly, the myth of British invincibility was shattered.