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Built in 1715 to store gunpowder and military supplies, the octagonal brick magazine on Market Square holds a specific claim on American history. On the night of April 20, 1775 — the day after Lexington and Concord — Royal Governor Lord Dunmore ordered the secret removal of the gunpowder stored inside. The colonists found out. Patrick Henry led militia toward Williamsburg in response. Virginia's revolution had its opening shot, and it started here.
Quick facts
- ·1715 octagonal brick magazine. Lord Dunmore's secret removal of gunpowder the night of April 20, 1775 — day after Lexington and Concord — triggered the Gunpowder Incident, Virginia's opening shot of the revolution. Patrick Henry led militia toward Williamsburg in response.
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