In April 1775, British Military Governor Thomas Gage ordered troops to seize weapons in Concord. Paul Revere and other riders set out to warn residents of British plans. John Hancock and Samuel Adams were then staying in Lexington, at the Hancock-Clarke house, the former home of Hancock’s grandfather. When warned by Revere, Hancock initially wanted to stay and fight. But it was quickly decided that because they held leadership roles, they should leave to avoid capture.
