Despite the courage of men like Patrick Henry, it was frightening for Americans to think of war. England was a great power; the colonies were scattered and had little military experience . Still, it made sense to be prepared for the worst, so, New Englanders began to stockpile cannonballs and gunpowder in Concord, a small town about twenty miles northwest of Boston. When the British heard about those munitions, they decided to get them. Paul Revere, a silversmith who was one of those who wanted independence, found out that the British soldiers were getting ready to attack. He sent a spy into the British camp; the spy was to send a signal. Revere instructed: "If the British go out by water, we should show two lanterns in the North Church steeple; and if by land, one, as a signal."

On the night of April 18, 1775, Paul Revere saw one lamp, then two, in the church belfry. Now he knew. The British—called redcoats because of their red uniforms—were taking the water route across the Charles River. Paul Revere jumped on his horse and rode hard all night, warning everyone in the countryside, "The British are coming! The British are coming !" At Concord and at Lexington the American farmers were ready: They grabbed their guns . They were called minutemen because they could fight on a minute's notice . Captain John Parker was their leader, and he spoke firmly: "Stand your ground. Don't fire unless fired upon. But if they mean to have a war, let it begin here."