Archaeologists in Massachusetts have discovered a 250-year-old musket ball dating back to the American Revolutionary War era, Fox News reported Thursday.
Archaeologists at Minuteman National Historical Park in Concord, Massachusetts, have found five musket balls believed to have been fired by colonial militiamen at British forces during the pivotal Battle of Concord on April 19, 1775. The battle, in which local militia fought British forces at North Bridge, marked a key moment in American history — the start of the War for Independence, archaeologists say. Fox News.
Archaeologists discover 250-year-old musket balls linked to the American Revolutionary War in Massachusetts https://t.co/dObE3zYSxr pic.twitter.com/PGVncYK8sB
— New York Post (@nypost) July 13, 2024
Jarrad Foose, a Minuteman park ranger and historic weapons expert, confirmed to Fox News Digital that the musket balls had been found. According to the media, the bullets, found in the area where British troops were positioned to block the North Bridge crossing, were found to have been fired from the opposite side of the river in an analysis by the National Park Service (NPS). This reportedly suggests that the musket balls were not simply dropped during reloading, but were used in actual combat. (Related: TV networks announce major partnership that could revolutionize US)
“Collectively, these musket shots can be considered 'the shots that rang out around the world,' and it is remarkable that they have survived this long. And they serve as a poignant reminder that we are all stewards of this battlefield, here to preserve and protect our shared history,” Fox News reported.
Muskets lie on the ground as reenactors gear up during a Battle Road re-enactment at Minute Man National Historical Park in Lincoln, Massachusetts on April 15, 2023. The re-enactment recreates the fighting that took place shortly after the Battles of Lexington and Concord on April 19, 1775. Reenactors came from across England, Virginia and New England to take part in the day's events. (Joseph Prezioso/AFP via Getty Images)
The significance of the find is also added by the fact that it comes at a time when the country is about to celebrate the anniversary of this important event. “We made the discovery just before the 250th anniversary of the American War of Independence,” Fouos added, the media reported.
According to Fox News, the musket balls were discovered during compliance work for the park's Great American Outdoors Act project, which aims to enhance and protect national parks for future generations. Visitors will be able to see the musket balls in person during Minuteman National Historical Park's Archaeology Day, scheduled for Saturday, July 13, 2024.
