Reliving the Battle of Lexington: A Minuteman's Story

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Steve Delity brings history alive as he prepares to portray Daniel Harrington in the 250th anniversary reenactment of the Battle of Lexington. Through meticulous research and authentic reproduction, he honors the legacy of the ordinary citizens who took extraordinary action on April 19, 1775.
• Daniel Harrington was the 36-year-old clerk of Captain John Parker's Lexington Militia who lived with his wife and seven children in a house facing the Lexington Green
• The night before the battle was filled with activity—Paul Revere and William Dawes arrived to warn of British movements while militia gathered at the village green
• Captain Parker instructed his men "do not molest them, do not fire on them" and "if they mean to start war, let it begin here"
• According to Harrington's deposition, as the militia began to disperse following British demands, a shot rang out that wasn't from the Lexington Minutemen
• After the British marched to Concord, Parker regathered his men for "Parker's Revenge," setting an ambush along the British retreat route
• Delighty was inspired to become a reenactor after watching the symbolic "black fog" of musket smoke descend on Lexington Green during a previous reenactment
• The 250th anniversary celebration will include multiple events beginning with Paul Revere's ride and continuing through the largest living history reenactment ever staged
Watch the televised reenactment with your family to understand how important our founding story is to our story today.

Chapters

1. Introduction to Crossword Podcast (00:00:00)

2. Meet Steve Delighty: Modern Minuteman (00:01:42)

3. Daniel Harrington: Life in 1775 Lexington (00:03:20)

4. The Night Before the Battle (00:06:15)

5. The Battle on Lexington Green (00:11:27)

6. Parker's Revenge and British Retreat (00:15:52)

7. Becoming a Revolutionary War Reenactor (00:17:55)

8. The 250th Anniversary Celebration Plans (00:22:35)