The beginnings of the Revolutionary War at Lexington and Concord come alive through personal narratives from participants and observers and through primary sources representing British and Colonist points of view. Historian Jeanne Munn Bracken describes the events leading up to the revolt in her essay, The Seeds of Revolution. Also included are excerpts from Paul Revere's Reminiscences, poetry of H. W. Longfellow, the origins of Yankee Doodle, and more.

"Women in the American Revolution picks up where usual historical accounts of the Revolutionary War leave off -- with the varied roles and contributions of women in camp, on the homefront, and serving as spies, messengers, and soldiers. This anthology of letters, journals, and eyewitness accounts tells a part of the story of women who helped on both sides of the war, from colonist Molly Pitcher to Hessian Baroness von Riedesel, from messenger Deborah Champion to soldier Deborah Sampson."