Visit key sites, historic homes and battlefields that spawned a nation and its governing constitution. WHERE IT ALL BEGAN After the 1770 Boston Massacre, when British troops shot rioting colonists, the Boston Tea Party of December 1773 saw colonists dump 340 chests of tea into Boston Harbour. The 11-month Siege of Boston from April 1775 was a pivotal event in the American Revolution. Commemoration events are planned during 2025 and 2026. THE FIRST SHOTS Paul Revere’s fateful midnight horse ride from Boston in April 1775 to Lexington and Concord in Massachusetts warned Patriot and local militia leaders that British troops were marching there. The ensuing Battle of Lexington was the war’s first clash, leading the colonists to disperse after eight were killed before reinforcements in Concord. Events in April 2025 will see Revere’s daring ride recreated, a battle reenactment in Lexington and a parade in Concord. THE TRAITOR AND THE SPY Diners at the 300-year-old Revolutionary memorabilia-filled ’76 House restaurant in Tappan, New York, eat in front of a fireplace, above which hangs an upside-down portrait of discredited American general Benedict Arnold, labelled 'Traitor' and another of British major John Andre, labelled 'Spy'. The two conspired to let American-held fortress West Point fall into British hands before Arnold was captured, imprisoned in the tavern near George Washington’s HQ and executed. His portrait in ’76 House was turned upside down by a betrayed Washington. THE BIRTHPLACE OF AMERICA Philadelphia, where the Founding Fathers declared independence and America was born, is planning a year-long series of celebrations throughout 2026. The cornerstone of the city’s Independence Day proceedings will be its Welcome America festivities, lasting multiple weeks. Events planned for that include a free night party with live music featuring top acts, a huge firework show, a Fourth of July Celebration Sail250 will see a global flotilla of tall ships visit New Orleans, Norfolk in Virginia, Baltimore, New York and Boston between May and July 2026 BIRTHDAY PARTIES States across the U.S. are planning events and activities to celebrate the 250th anniversary of Independence INDEPENDENCE 250 PETER ELLEGARD A MARKIVX PHOTO 2024 38 visitusa.org.uk
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