The infamous "shot heard 'round the world" was traditionally, the shot that began the American Revolution. On April 19th, 1775, 70 men of the Lexington Militia met a force of several hundred British troops in an attempt to block their pass. Major John Pitcairn of the British army ordered the militia to lay down their arms. Faced with superior numbers, militia captain John Walker ordered his men to disperse, but they refused. The British then rushed onto the green, and a shot of unknown origin was fired. The British then fired two volleys and the militia responded. The skirmish ended with the deaths of 10 militia men and one British soldier.