LEXINGTON / CONCORD - Where The Revolution Began

LEXINGTON / CONCORD

Where The Revolution Began

Take a Trip Back in History

The Lexington / Concord Area of Massachusetts lies only about 15 miles west of Boston. It offers a nice, somewhat more rural experience compared to the big city activities of Boston. And given it’s significant role in the American Revolution, it makes an interesting and informative historical day trip.

Lexington / Concord / Boston Area Map

The historical sites and buildings of Lexington / Concord are part of The Minuteman National Historical Park, which is operated by the National Park Service. The park is a long, slender affair which roughly follows the seven or eight mile route of the historical battle and skirmish action which took place between the “Minutemen” and the “Red Coats” in the area back in April of 1775. Today Massachusetts Route 2A runs through the area with three different park visitor centers available to provide information, background and refreshments to travelers.

Minuteman National Historical Park (in green)

Visitor Center Near Lexington

The events which occurred in this small area set a cornerstone of American history. This is the destination of the British army that marched out of Boston in 1775 in search of arms which they heard the “rebels” had been stockpiling. Paul Revere made his now famous ride to the area to warn of the British advance. The first volleys of fire were exchanged in a brief encounter between the Red Coats and the Minutemen in Lexington. The more significant battle occurred later in the day, west of Concord at The Old North Bridge – an action immortalized by Ralph Waldo Emerson as “the shot heard round the world” in his 1837 poem “Concord Hymn.”

Visitor Center Near The North Bridge / Concord

Minuteman Statue at North Bridge

First Stanza of Emersons’ Poem / base of Minuteman Statue

The North Bridge (Reconstructed) Spans The Concord River

The Park Service offers a number of historical programs and walks along the route of conflict. They also maintain several buildings and memorials associated with significant events which occured along the route. The Whittemore House is one of the original buildings still remaining from days of the revolution. Park employees, some dressed in period costume, guide visitors and offer insight and information at several locations.

Whittemore House

Guide At The Whittemore House

The Old Manse House sits on the eastern side of the Concord River next to The North Bridge. In 1775 it was the home of the Reverend William Emerson, grandfather of Ralph Waldo Emerson, and his family.

While most of the monuments and markers in the area are related to actions of the Minutemen there is also a memorial to the British Soldiers on the eastern end of The North Bridge.

Points of interest within the park are not limited to those associated with the Minuteman – British Conflict. Travelers can also visit The Wayside, a house which has it’s own history. Over the years it has been home to well known American authors including Louisa May Alcott, Nathanial Hawthorne, and Margaret Sidney.