Living history: Huge crowds turn out for Lexington, Concord reenactments

It was a beautiful day in Lexington as the town celebrated an iconic day in Massachusetts and American history.

It all started with a reenactment of the Battle of Lexington on Saturday morning, but there were additional activities, including Lexington's Patriots' Day Parade. Neighboring Concord, which also played a pivotal role on that morning 250 years ago, held its own celebrations, with a parade, reenactments and a block party.

Thousands of people were already gathered early Saturday morning in Lexington, ready to experience the battle up close.

Chris, Cathy and 7-year-old Teddy Gigliotti traveled from Derry, New Hampshire, for Saturday's celebration.

"It's a big anniversary of this battle and we just wanted to make sure we came here to see history," Chris Gigliotti said.

"This is my first one," Teddy said. "I just really want to see the battle."

"It's 250 years -- how could we miss it?" Cathy Gigliotti added.

Thousands of people gathered around the Lexington Green to watch the reenactment of the battle that started the Revolutionary War. The reenactment went through four scenes. First, a bell ran as Capt. John Parker assembled the militia to relay Paul Revere's famous line -- "the regulars are coming." Then the women and children evacuated, saying goodbye to their husbands and fathers without knowing if they would survive. Then the British arrived on the common, a shot rang out, and the battle began.

Photos: Battle of Lexington reenactment

In all 77 militia faced off against hundreds of "Redcoats," leaving eight dead on the Lexington Green when all was said and done.

Spectators praised the reenactment, including Lt. Gov. Kim Driscoll.

"It says a lot about this community and all the work they've done to bring this commemoration home and I think a lot about Massachusetts," she said. "We are the birthplace of democracy. It started here, and to see it reenacted 250 years later is pretty special."

Watch the full video of the Battle of Lexington reenactment:

Over in Concord, there were also a series of reenactments and ceremonies marking this pivotal moment in American history.

Dr. Samuel Prescott rode through on his horse to deliver Paul Revere's message, then the Concord Militia marched over the Old North Bridge where the famous "shot heard round the world" was fired. And remarks were given after a flag raising to honor the bravery of the first revolutionary soldiers.

“It was amazing," said Beth Vanduzer, an independent historian. "The sound of the horse hoofs is something you can’t really imagine without being here and hearing the horse go across the actual bridge. And just to have the people around, hearing his shout of the regulars coming out is just something you have to live to experience.”

Paul Revere's Ride

But before the battle began, just like 250 years ago, the colonial leaders needed to be told that the British were coming. That's where Paul Revere stepped in. He took his midnight ride from Charlestown, a moment that was celebrated last night.

Jam-packed crowds filled City Square in Boston on Friday night to watch the reenactment there. On that night 250 years ago, Paul Revere mounted a borrowed horse to begin the famous ride from Boston to Lexington after seeing the lantern in the Old North Church.

Hundreds watched the recreation of Revere arriving to deliver the news to John Hancock and Samuel Adams. Paul Revere was actually one of 40 Patriot Riders that night spreading the word of the approaching British troops. He was captured later that night on the way to Concord, but eventually was released as the battle began to unfold.

Back in Boston, after the ceremonial ride, an aerial display of drones lit up the city sky, including images of Paul Revere taking his ride, lighting the lantern signals at the Old North Church, the Boston skyline and even an outline of Massachusetts.