In April of 1775, confronted by a forthcoming uprising by the U.S. colonist, British General Thomas Gage made the decision to confiscate gun powder and weapons that were being stored in Concord, Massachusetts. However, his plan was thwarted when citizens learned of his intentions and the legend of Paul Revere was born. Gage according to the historical record, made his way to Concord with more than 600 British soldiers. By the next morning, British troops reached Lexington, where several dozen minutemen had gathered and a brief clash occurred which left eight Americans dead and many others wounded.