Historic Find: Musket Balls from Revolutionary War Unearthed at Minute Man National Historical Park

Five musket balls from the Revolutionary War were recently discovered near the North Bridge site in Minute Man National Historical Park, Concord. This find marks the largest number of musket balls ever discovered from the battle. The discovery helps validate the historical record and offers insights into the arms used by the militia and British forces.

Nearly 250 years after the first major battle of the Revolutionary War, the discovery of five musket balls near the North Bridge site in Minute Man National Historical Park, Concord, has created a buzz among history buffs. This find is the largest number of musket balls ever unearthed from this pivotal clash that began on April 19, 1775.

Minute Man park ranger and historic weapons specialist Jarrad Fuoss was present when the musket balls were found. 'The excitement was palpable,' he said, recalling the moment the artifacts were pulled from the ground. The discovery aligns with historical records, showing that colonial militia members fired at British forces on that fateful day.

'To touch something directly connected to such a significant moment in history is thrilling,' said Joel Bohy, a researcher on the site. The musket balls, identified by their size and lead composition, reveal that the militia used various weapons and ammunition, unlike the standardized British munitions.

(With inputs from agencies.)