Captain John Parker Statue, Lexington, MA

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Captain John Parker (July 13, 1729– September 17, 1775) was an American farmer and soldier who commanded the Massachusetts militia at Lexington during the Battles of Lexington and Concord on April 19, 1775.

He had instructed his men, "Stand your ground. Don't fire unless fired upon, but if they mean to have a war, let it begin here." In that battle, a British bayonet killed his cousin Jonas Parker. After his men dispersed from the Lexington green, Parker re-organized his men to attack the British regulars from a hill that ran perpendicular to the road that the Regulars were retreating on. He, along with Lincoln militia, fired upon the British column, killing Colonel Smith, and the last uninjured officer of the British 10th light foot, Captain Parsons. This location is now called "Parker's Revenge."

John Parker was already sick with tuberculosis on April 19, and died a few months after. Parker's grandson donated his musket to the state of Massachusetts and it hangs today in the Massachusetts State House Senate Chamber. Behind the statue is the Lexington Battle Green, and off to the right, the yellow building is Buckman Tavern.