In November 1775, the Siege of Boston continued with no end in sight. American troops were increasingly anxious, fearing that His Majesty’s forces might initiate an amphibious assault to lift the siege. Tensions between the New Englanders and soldiers from other colonies were at a peak, leading to frequent fights and disturbances. Supplies from the countryside, especially winter clothing, were desperately needed, while the much-anticipated “bounty coats,” were slowly trickling in. Complicating matters was the reality that the enlistments of many of the American soldiers surrounding Boston were about to expire. Officers quickly scrambled to secure one-year commitments from the troops in support of the 1776 campaign.
On November 8, 2025, Captain John Parker’s Lexington Company will commemorate the 250th Anniversary of the Siege of Boston by hosting a full-day interpretive event highlighting the state of the American army as 1775 comes to a close. The event will take place on the Lexington Common and Buckman Tavern grounds, focusing on four key impressions: New England troops, Virginia riflemen, American siege artillery, and civilians residing along or near the siege lines.
Activities will include drilling, interactions between New England and Southern troops, recruitment efforts for the 1776 campaign season, inspections by representatives of the Provincial Congress, lectures, and opportunities for the public to participate. The event will culminate with the distribution of bounty coats to the New England Troops.
Units portraying New England troops are encouraged to have their members make bounty coats ahead of this event.
After the event, all participants are invited to retire to the nearby Masonic lodge for a catered dinner, drinks, and a night of music and games.
Event Date and Time: November 8, 2025, 10 AM to 4 PM
Event Location: Lexington Common, Buckman Tavern, and Simon W Robinson Masonic Lodge, Lexington, Massachusetts
Event Standards: Bunker Hill clothing standards apply to those units portraying New England troops. Standards for Virginia riflemen will be released in the coming weeks. NO FACIAL HAIR WILL BE PERMITTED FOR THIS EVENT
Unit registration is due by October 1, 2025.
This event is open to member units of the Northern Department of the Continental Line and invited units.
A donation of $20 per person is requested to help defray the cost of food and drink at the evening tavern.
Also check out other Nonprofit events in Lexington.
