What was the group who defended Lexington and Concord?

The group that defended Lexington and Concord was primarily composed of local militia members, often referred to as Minutemen. These colonists were organized to respond quickly to British military actions during the early stages of the American Revolutionary War. Their courageous stand on April 19, 1775, against British troops marked a significant moment in the fight for American independence. The battles at Lexington and Concord are often regarded as the "shot heard 'round the world," signifying the beginning of open conflict between Britain and its American colonies.