Archaeologists working at Minute Man National Historical Park in Concord, Massachusetts, have unearthed a piece of American history linked to “the shot that echoed around the world.”
Jarrad Foose, a Minuteman park ranger and historic weapons expert, confirmed to Fox News Digital that five musket shells were found that are believed to have been fired by colonial militiamen at British troops during the Battle of North Bridge.
According to the National Park Service (NPS), the ammunition was found in the area where British soldiers had massed to resist the river crossing, and analysis determined that the shells had not been dropped during a reload, but had been fired from the other side of the river.
North Bridge Battlefield is located within the park and commemorates the moment on April 19, 1775, when a local militia leader ordered his members to fire on their own government troops for the first time.
“Collectively, these musket shots can be considered ‘the shots that echoed around the world’ and it is remarkable that they have survived this long and serve as a poignant reminder that we are all stewards of this battlefield and are here to preserve and protect our shared history,” Fouos said.
Fuos said musket bullets were made of lead, which was very common at the time, while other bullets were made of a variety of metals.
The National Park Service reported on its website that the fighting at North Bridge lasted less than three minutes and left 18 people dead or wounded.
Three British soldiers were killed in the battle and are buried in Concord.
A spokesperson for the Daughters of the American Revolution told Fox News Digital that the organization was “excited by the news that historic musket balls have been found in Concord.”
“The discovery of such important artifacts goes a long way to raising interest in American history, and we’re pleased that this incredible find has brought additional attention to telling the story of the Revolutionary War, especially as we prepare to celebrate the 250th anniversary of our country’s independence,” the spokesperson said.
Fouos also expressed excitement about the timing of the discovery.
“We found them right on the cusp of the 250th anniversary of the American Revolutionary War. While most of the country is looking ahead to 2026, the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence, our anniversary is next year, April 2025,” he said.
“We have already started in earnest the commemorations of the 250th anniversary of the revolution and will continue to do so next year and beyond, because this marks the beginning of eight years of war.”
The archaeologists who found the musket balls were conducting compliance work for the park’s Great American Outdoors Act project.
“We weren’t planning on finding them, we weren’t even looking for them. We were just trying to make sure we didn’t damage anything because the park is in the process of updating some of its infrastructure,” Fouos said.
“We weren’t planning on finding them, we weren’t even looking for them. We were just trying to make sure we didn’t damage anything because the park is in the process of updating some of its infrastructure,” Fouos said.
Fox News Digital has reached out to NPS for additional comment.
