Archaeologists at Minute Man National Historical Park in Concord, Massachusetts made a significant discovery tied to American history. The researchers unearthed five musket balls believed to have been fired by colonial militia members at British forces during the North Bridge fight. Jarrad Fuoss, a park ranger and historic weapons specialist at Minute Man, confirmed the finding to Fox News Digital. The ammunition was found in an area where British soldiers positioned themselves to resist a river crossing. Analysis indicates that the musket balls were fired from the opposite side of the river, rather than being dropped during the reloading process, according to the National Park Service (NPS).
The North Bridge battle site, located within the park, marks the moment when local militia leaders ordered their members to open fire on government soldiers for the first time on April 19, 1775. Fuoss described the musket balls as collectively representing “The Shot Heard Round the World,” emphasizing the historical significance of the discovery. He noted that the lead composition of the musket balls was common during that time period, though others may have been made of different metals. The intense fighting at the North Bridge lasted less than three minutes, resulting in the deaths or injuries of 18 men, as reported by the NPS.
Three British soldiers killed in the battle were buried in Concord, where the discovery of the musket balls has generated excitement among historical preservationists. A spokesperson for the Daughters of the American Revolution expressed enthusiasm for the find, highlighting its role in promoting interest in American history. The spokesperson noted that artifacts like these musket balls help to tell the story of the Revolutionary War, especially as the country approaches the 250th anniversary celebrations of its independence.
Fuoss also highlighted the significance of the timing of the discovery, occurring on the eve of the 250th anniversary of the American Revolution. The park is actively engaged in commemorating this milestone, leading up to the anniversary in April 2025. The archaeologists who found the musket balls were engaged in compliance activities related to the park’s Great American Outdoors Act project, aimed at the maintenance and repair of national parks. The Act seeks to enhance national parks to ensure preservation and provide recreational and educational opportunities for visitors, both current and future.
Visitors to Minute Man National Historical Park will have the opportunity to view the musket balls firsthand on Archeology Day, scheduled for Saturday, July 13. This event allows the public to engage with the historical artifacts and learn more about the significance of the North Bridge fight and its role in American history. Fox News Digital has reached out to the NPS for additional comments on the discovery and its implications for historical preservation efforts.
