On April 19, 1775, British soldiers and American militia, "minute men" met in a series of skirmishes along a 22 mile stretch of road that ran from Boston to Concord . The events that occurred along the Battle Road would mark the beginning of a struggle between British authorities, determined to enforce the will of Parliament, and the people of Massachusetts , determined to retain their rights as English citizens. An American war for independence and self-government was born which would last more than eight years.