Edward Malouf

Lead in the ground; reconstructing “Parker’s Revenge”

On April 19, 1775, Captain John Parker of the Lexington Minutemen regrouped his men after the devastating battle on Lexington Green early that morning and later that day fired on the retreating British soldiers. Inspired by the brief account of the skirmish given by William (Nathan) Munroe to Elias Phinney, the author of “History of the battle at Lexington, on the morning of the 19th April, 1775,” the Friends of the Minute Man National Park collaborated with Park staff and other National Park employees to conduct an extensive archeological survey.

The Parker’s Revenge Archaeological Project verified that a skirmish took place, the large number of musket balls found and the pattern indicated that a firefight between British and Colonial soldiers took place at a location near the Lincoln and Concord line as described in Munroe’s testimony. This was the first archeological project to uncover evidence of the many battles that took place on that fateful day.

Content•Design Collaborative was tasked with translating the results of the 315-page final report into a 30 linear-foot gallery experience at the visitor center. In the process of doing so, our team developed a comprehensive understanding of the project and how the different components; land use, military tactics, weapon physics, and archeology describe 15 minutes of excitement and terror. Let us share with you both the land use and archeological results and how it formed the basis of the exhibit.