“ When the advance of the British column reached Lexington in the early morning it was opposed by about 70 militiamen, who had formed on the town common, under command of Capt. John Parker. The British were commanded by Major Pitcairn, who, on observing the preparations made to resist his progress, halted his men to load, and then advanced at double-quick, he himself riding in front and ordering the Americans to lay down their arms and retire. As the militia held their ground. ”

“ The leading industries are farming and dairying, and the manufacture of leather binding. Population, in 1890, 3197; in 1900, 3831. Settled in 1640, Lexington was a part of Cambridge and was known as ‘Cambridge Farms’ until 1691, when it was made into a separate precinct, and given its present name from Lord Lexington. ”