| Massachusetts (Middlesex County), Arlington — Cooper’s Tavern |
| | Here stood Cooper’s Tavern, in which Jabez Wyman and Jason Winship were killed by the British April 19, 1775. — Map (db m18137) |
| Massachusetts (Middlesex County), Arlington — House of John Cutter |
| | Site of the house of John Cutter. Set on fire during the British retreat, April 19, 1775. — Map (db m18140) |
| Massachusetts (Middlesex County), Arlington — Old Men of Menotomy |
| | At this spot on April 19, 1775 the Old Men of Menotomy captured a convoy of eighteen soldiers with supplies on its way to join the British at Lexington. — Map (db m18138) |
| Massachusetts (Middlesex County), Arlington — Samuel Whittemore |
| | Near this spot Samuel Whittemore, then 80 years old, killed three British soldiers April 19, 1775. He was shot, bayoneted, beaten and left for dead, but recovered and lived to be 98 years of age. — Map (db m18142) |
| Massachusetts (Middlesex County), Arlington — The Foot of the Rocks |
| | 1635 Menotomy 1807 West Cambridge 1867 Arlington This park is dedicated by the people of Arlington to the memory of Colonial Minutemen and British soldiers who met here in the first great battle of the Revolutionary War. British troops in retreat from bloody first skirmishes at Lexington and Concord were here opposed by colonial forces gathering from four counties and thirty towns. More men fell at the foot of the rocks and on the plains of Menotomy than in every other locale through which . . . — Map (db m18613) |
| Massachusetts (Middlesex County), Arlington — The Foot of the Rocks |
| | In this neighborhood “The Foot of the Rocks” Henry Wellington, a commissioned officer of the War of 1812-14, and his wife Eliza Teele, natives of this town, made their home in 1819; in honor of his parents, and ancestors, this memorial is erected by their youngest son, William Edward Wellington, of Dubuque, Iowa. Born in this town in 1834. This plat of ground dedicated by the town of Arlington, 1907. — Map (db m18615) |
| Massachusetts (Middlesex County), Cambridge — Christ Church |
| | Oldest church building in Cambridge. Built in 1760 occupied by Continental troops in 1775. — Map (db m18143) |
| Massachusetts (Middlesex County), Cambridge — Fort Washington |
| | Constructed November 1775 by the Continental Army under General George Washington This fort was used during the Siege of Boston and helped force its evacuation by the British — Map (db m18763) |
| Massachusetts (Middlesex County), Cambridge — Gen. Casimir Pulaski |
| | To the memory of Gen. Casimir Pulaski Polish Patriot who fought for freedom on two continents. He volunteered his services to the Continental Army of the U. S. For distinguished service at the Battle of Brandywine, he was appointed a Brigadier General. General Pulaski formed the original American Cavalry, the Pulaski Legion, and served the Continental Army at Trenton, Valley Forge, and Charleston S. C. At Savannah, he made the supreme sacrifice. While leading a charge against British . . . — Map (db m18166) |
| Massachusetts (Middlesex County), Cambridge — MA-27 — Gen. Henry Knox Trail |
| | At this place General Henry Knox delivered to General George Washington in January 1776 the train of artillery brought from Fort Ticonderoga to force the enemy to evacuate Boston Erected by the Commonwealth of Massachusetts 1927 — Map (db m17963) |
| Massachusetts (Middlesex County), Cambridge — Gen. Thaddeus Kosciuszko |
| | To the memory of Gen. Thaddeus Kosciuszko Polish Patriot • • • Hero of two continents • Champion of Liberty and the rights of man • • He came to America in 1776 and volunteered his services for the cause of American Revolution • His valor and genius contributed largely to the success of the struggle for Independence of the colonies • • The rank of Brigadier-General was conferred upon him by the American Congress and he was admitted a member of the Society of the Cincinnati. Erected in . . . — Map (db m18167) |
| Massachusetts (Middlesex County), Cambridge — These Cannon Were Abandoned |
| | These cannon were abandoned at Fort Independence (Castle William) by the British forces when they evacuated the City of Boston March 17, 1776 — Map (db m18003) |
| Massachusetts (Middlesex County), Cambridge — Vassall-Craigie-Longfellow House — Longfellow National Historic Site |
| | Built in 1759 Headquarters for George Washington 1775 – 1776 . Home of Henry Wadsworth Longfellow Family & Descendants 1837 1950 — Map (db m19085) |
| Massachusetts (Middlesex County), Cambridge — Washington First Took Command |
| | Under this tree Washington first took command of the American Army, July 3d 1775 — Map (db m18001) |
| Massachusetts (Middlesex County), Cambridge — Washington’s General Orders |
| | Washington’s General Orders given at Cambridge, July 4, 1775 “The Continental Congress having taken all the troops of the several Colonies, which have been raised, or which may be hereafter raised for the support and defence of the Liberties of America; into their pay and service. They are now the Troops of the United Provinces of North America; and it is hoped that all distinctions of Colonies will be laid aside; so that one and the same Spirit may animate the whole and the only . . . — Map (db m17999) |
| Massachusetts (Middlesex County), Concord — Acton Minutemen |
| | Line of March April 19, 1775 Acton Minutemen — Map (db m19081) |
| Massachusetts (Middlesex County), Concord — Acton Minutemen |
| | Line of March April 19, 1775 Acton Minutemen — Map (db m19082) |
| Massachusetts (Middlesex County), Concord — Bedford Minutemen |
| | Line of March April 19, 1775 — Map (db m19076) |
| Massachusetts (Middlesex County), Concord — Bedford Minutemen |
| | Line of March April 19, 1775 — Map (db m19078) |
| Massachusetts (Middlesex County), Concord — British Soldier |
| | 19 April 1775 Near this site was buried a British soldier of the 4th the King’s Own Regt. of Foot fatally wounded at North Bridge — Map (db m18168) |
| Massachusetts (Middlesex County), Concord — Captain David Brown House Site |
| | Here on this site lived the Brown family of Concord, who arrived from England in 1644. The exposed foundation on you left is from the first Brown family home. During the 1750s, their descendent David Brown constructed a new house. On your right, the approximate location of his cellar hole is marked with granite. A successful farmer of a 67-acre homestead, David also was a speculator in frontier real estate and a town Selectman. Under his roof lived his wife Abigail, their ten children, and his . . . — Map (db m18204) |
| Massachusetts (Middlesex County), Concord — Captain Isaac Davis |
| | On the morning of April 19, 1775, approximately 400 colonials stood on the hill overlooking the North Bridge. As smoke rose from Concord center, the order to march was given. In the exchange of fire that followed, Captain Isaac Davis, who had exclaimed “I haven’t a man who is afraid to go,” was killed together with Abner Hosmer, a private, also from Acton. This memorial was erected by the Captain Isaac Davis Chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution, April, 1975. — Map (db m18024) |
| Massachusetts (Middlesex County), Concord — Casey’s Home |
| | In 1775 Casey was Samuel Whitney’s slave. When revolution came, he ran away to war, fought for the colonies, and returned to Concord a free man. — Map (db m18526) |
| Massachusetts (Middlesex County), Concord — Concord Battle Monument |
| | Here on the 19th of April 1775 was made the first forcible resistance to British aggression. On the opposite bank stood the American Militia. Here stood the invading Army and on this spot the first of the enemy fell in the War of that Revolution which gave Independence to these United States. In gratitude to God and in the love of Freedom this monument was erected AD 1836 — Map (db m18021) |
| Massachusetts (Middlesex County), Concord — Concord Fight |
| | On the morning of April nineteenth, 1775, while the British held this bridge, the minute-men and militia of Concord and neighboring towns gathered on the hill across the river. There the Concord Adjutant, Joseph Hosmer, demanded, “Will you let them burn the town down?” There the Lincoln captain, William Smith, offered to dislodge the British. The Acton captain, Isaac Davis, said “I haven’t a man that’s afraid to go!” and the Concord colonel, James Barrett ordered the . . . — Map (db m18027) |
| Massachusetts (Middlesex County), Concord — First Town House |
| | Near this spot stood the first Town House used for town meetings and the county courts 1721 – 1794 — Map (db m18523) |
| Massachusetts (Middlesex County), Concord — Grave of British Soldiers |
| | They came three thousand miles and died to keep the past upon its throne. Unheard beyond the ocean tide, their English mother made her moan. April 19, 1775 — Map (db m18022) |
| Massachusetts (Middlesex County), Concord — House and Farm of Colonel James Barrett |
| | House and Farm of Colonel James Barrett. Commanding Officer of the Middlesex Militia On the morning of April 19, 1775, the British march from Boston which resulted in the outbreak of the Revolutionary War ended here with a search for military stores. Gun carriages found by the light infantry were burned in front of the house. Other weapons and supplies were successfully concealed in the attic of the house, in furrows plowed near the farmyards and in spruce hollow behind the house. . . . — Map (db m18064) |
| Massachusetts (Middlesex County), Concord — House of Rev Peter Bulkeley |
| | Here in the house of the Reverend Peter Bulkeley first minister and one of the founders of this town a bargain was made with the Squaw Sachem, the Sacamore Tahattawan and other Indians who then sold their right in the six miles square called Concord to the English planters and gave them peaceful possession of the land A. D. 1636. — Map (db m18527) |
| Massachusetts (Middlesex County), Concord — Jethro’s Tree |
| | Near this spot stood the ancient oak known as Jethro’s Tree beneath which Major Simon Willard and his associates bought from the Indians the “6 myles of land square” ordered by the General Court for the Plantation of Concord September 12, 1635. — Map (db m18169) |
| Massachusetts (Middlesex County), Concord — Landscape Changes |
| | At the time of the Battle, this area was a cleared pasture owned by Samuel Brooks, whose house is on Battle Road before you. In contrast to today’s forested landscape, the 1775 landscape was predominantly open farmland. A common myth about the fighting on April 19th is that the Colonists hid in the woods and fired at the British column. In fact, there were only occasional woodlots; cover was more often provided by stone walls, houses and outbuildings. Whenever you see a stone wall through or . . . — Map (db m18554) |
| Massachusetts (Middlesex County), Concord — Major John Buttrick |
| | Major John Buttrick from this, his farm, led the Provincial Minute Men and Militia down to win the bridge held by the British forces April 19, 1775 George Edward Messer by his will provided this memorial erected by the town — Map (db m18172) |
| Massachusetts (Middlesex County), Concord — Major John Buttrick House |
| | Here was the home of the Colonial officer who led the advance to the North Bridge. With British soldiers firing directly at his men, Major John Buttrick gave the order, “Fire, fellow soldiers, for God’s sake, fire!” It was the first time that Colonists were ordered to fire on the King’s troops, an act of treason. Although this house was built in 1715 (and later altered), the Buttrick family lived on this hillside since the founding of Concord in 1635. At the time of the battle in . . . — Map (db m18173) |
| Massachusetts (Middlesex County), Concord — Meriam’s Corner |
| | The British Troops retreating from the Old North Bridge were here attacked in flank by the Men of Concord and neighboring towns and driven under a hot fire to Charleston. — Map (db m18055) |
| Massachusetts (Middlesex County), Concord — Meriam’s Corner — Minute Man Nat'l Hist Park, Mass — National Park Service |
| | Here begins the Battle Road. After brief battles at Lexington Green and Concord’s North Bridge, Colonists and British soldiers clashed here at Meriam’s Corner. Colonial militia and minute men coming from the North Bridge fight were joined by companies from Reading. While the Colonists watched from the cover of the Meriam house and barn, British flankers protecting the main column of troops came in to cross the small bridge over Mill Brook. This weakened the British position. Musket shots rang . . . — Map (db m18057) |
| Massachusetts (Middlesex County), Concord — Meriam’s Corner — Minute Man National Historical Park |
| | Minute Man National Historical Park was the starting place of the American Revolution: here the resolve of citizens willing to risk their lives for the ideals of liberty and self-determination was instrumental in the formation of the American identity. The park preserves sites where Colonial militia men and British soldiers clashed on April 19, 1775. A force of 700 British soldiers left Boston to seize military supplies stockpiled in Concord. Alarm riders alerted the countryside. In area . . . — Map (db m18377) |
| Massachusetts (Middlesex County), Concord — On this Hill |
| | On this Hill the Settlers of Concord built their Meeting House near which they were buried. On the southern slope of the ridge were their Dwellings during the first winter. Below it they laid out their first Road and on the summit stood the Liberty Pole of the Revolution — Map (db m18556) |
| Massachusetts (Middlesex County), Concord — The First Provincial Congress |
| | . . . — Map (db m18524) |
| Massachusetts (Middlesex County), Concord — The Milldam |
| | This short stretch of street still known as the milldam was the site of an Indian fishing weir and was laid out along the dam built soon after the settlement of the town in 1635. — Map (db m18170) |
| Massachusetts (Middlesex County), Concord — The Millpond — 1636 |
| | Used for water, fish, power and skating lay south and west of this spot. April 19, 1775 British troops dumped captured cannon shot, musket balls and barrels of flour into the pond. The militia later recovered most of the ammunition and a good part of the flour from the centers of the barrels. Small shops built on the dam; which is now the street, extended to the south over the water. The pond was drained and the mill brook set in its present course in 1836. — Map (db m18555) |
| Massachusetts (Middlesex County), Concord — The Minuteman of Concord 1775 |
| | By the Rude Bridge that arched the flood, their flag to April’s breeze unfurled, here once the embattled farmers stood, and fired the shot heard round the world. Back of Monument: 1775 Ninteenth of April ----- 1875 — Map (db m18017) |
| Massachusetts (Middlesex County), Concord — The Muster Field |
| | “Will you let them burn the town down?” Lt. Joseph Hosmer of Concord “I haven’t a man who’s afraid to go.” Captain Isaac Davis of Acton “Do not fire on the King’s troops unless first fired upon.” Colonel James Barrett of Concord In the field beyond, Colonists held the first council of war of the American Revolution. There, on the high ground above the North Bridge, stood 400 citizen-soldiers – the assembled ranks of the . . . — Map (db m18200) |
| Massachusetts (Middlesex County), Concord — The North Bridge — Minute Man National Historical Park |
| | Minute Man National Historical Park was the starting place of the American Revolution: here the resolve of citizens willing to risk their lives for the ideals of liberty and self-determination was instrumental in the formation of the American identity. The park preserves sites where Colonial militia men and British soldiers clashed on April 19, 1775. A force of 700 British soldiers left Boston to seize military supplies stockpiled in Concord. Alarm riders alerted the countryside. In area . . . — Map (db m18370) |
| Massachusetts (Middlesex County), Concord — The North Bridge — Minute Man National Historical Park |
| | Minute Man National Historical Park was the starting place of the American Revolution: here the resolve of citizens willing to risk their lives for the ideals of liberty and self-determination was instrumental in the formation of the American identity. The park preserves sites where Colonial militia men and British soldiers clashed on April 19, 1775. A force of 700 British soldiers left Boston to seize military supplies stockpiled in Concord. Alarm riders alerted the countryside. In area . . . — Map (db m18372) |
| Massachusetts (Middlesex County), Concord — The Road to Colonel Barrett’s |
| | In 1775 you would be standing at a fork on the Groton Road. The east fork, restored by the National Park Service, today leads up the hill to the Visitor Center. The west fork, now traced as a mown path, led to Colonel Barrett’s farm over a mile away. 120 British soldiers marched down the west fork, determined to seize cannon, muskets, and ammunition known to be hidden at Barrett’s farm. Another 96 were left behind to guard the Bridge. Barrett’s farm was the furthest point reached by any of the . . . — Map (db m18202) |
| Massachusetts (Middlesex County), Concord — The Wright Tavern |
| | Built in 1747 Kept by Amos Wright in 1775 --------------- Here met the Committees of the Provincial Congress on the eve of the Revolution while the larger body sat in a Meeting House close by. --------------- Headquarters of the Minutemen in the early morning of April 19, 1775 --------------- Later that day Headquarters of the British under command of Colonel Smith and Major Pitcairn — Map (db m18525) |
| Massachusetts (Middlesex County), Concord — Trades along the Battle Road — Minute Man Nat’l Hist Park, Mass |
| | In 1775, the house before you was the home of Job and Anna Brooks, and their children Asa and Anna. Across the street was the home of cousin Joshua Brooks and his family. From the late 17th century until the 19th century, there was a tannery at this site near Elm Brook. At the time of the Battle, it was run by Joshua Brooks. The brook provided water to wash leather hides, and to fill large vats in which the hides were tanned. The Brooks family also ran a nearby slaughterhouse, a brick kiln for . . . — Map (db m18553) |
| Massachusetts (Middlesex County), East Lexington — Charles Follen |
| | Born in Hesse-Darmstadt September 4, 1796 A fearless advocate of Liberty and Justice. Exiled for conscience sake, he sought in America the freedom denied him in the Old World. Distinguished for rich and varied learning, for uncompromising devotion to the cause of the oppressed and enslaved, and for the simplicity and integrity of his character. He organized in this town the Free Christian Church and became its first pastor. Designed the octagon meeting house here erected and on his way to its . . . — Map (db m19194) |
| Massachusetts (Middlesex County), East Lexington — Robbins Cemetery |
| | Originally part of the Samuel Winship farm, this land was deeded by his son in 1784 as a cemetery for the Robbins, Winship, Buckman, Bowman and other Lexington families. Stephen Robbins and his son Eli, who are buried here, operated a fur dressing factory, a spice mill and a tannery. When they wanted to open a tavern and were refused permission by the selectmen, Eli enlisted Daniel Webster’s help, and won! The willow and urn carved on many gravestones here are symbols of mourning widely used . . . — Map (db m19193) |
| Massachusetts (Middlesex County), Framingham — MA-21 — Gen. Henry Knox Trail |
| | Through this place passed General Henry Knox in the winter of 1775 – 1776 to deliver to General George Washington at Cambridge the train of artillery from Fort Ticonderoga used to force the British Army to evacuate Boston. Erected by the Commonwealth of Massachusetts 1927 — Map (db m17942) |
| Massachusetts (Middlesex County), Lexington — Battle of Lexington Monument |
| | Sacred to Liberty & the Rights of mankind!!! The Freedom & Independence of America, Sealed and defended with the blood of her sons. This Monument is erected by the inhabitants of Lexington, under the patronage & at the expense of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, to the memory of their fellow citizens, Ensign Robert Munroe, Mess. Jonas Parker, Samuel Masey, Caleb Harrington and John Brown of Lexington, Ishael Porter of Woburn, who fell on this field, the first victims to the sword of British . . . — Map (db m17976) |
| Massachusetts (Middlesex County), Lexington — Buckman Tavern |
| | has been designated a Registered National Historic Landmark Under the provisions of the Historic Sites Act of August 21, 1935 this site possesses exceptional value in commemorating or illustrating the history of the United States U.S. Department of the Interior National Park Service 1962 — Map (db m18457) |
| Massachusetts (Middlesex County), Lexington — Buckman Tavern |
| | In 1714, Lexington selectmen gave John Muzzey permission to keep a “Publique House of Entertainment.” On Sundays townspeople came here for a hot flip and a warm fire after sitting for hours in the unheated church. John Buckman owned this inn during the Revolution. He gave it a new double hip roof to provide more attic bedrooms, obliterating its “saltbox” roof profile. In later years it served as the town post office. The Lexington Historical Society induced the town to . . . — Map (db m18482) |
| Massachusetts (Middlesex County), Lexington — Cambridge Farms |
| | In 1642, 11 men were proprietors of land grants in Lexington, using their land here for farming or holding it for speculation while living in Cambridge. By 1682, about 30 families lived in Lexington, then known as Cambridge Farms. Disliking the long trip to Cambridge for church, they petitioned the General Court to establish their own parish. Cambridge residents resisted this for almost ten years, but finally in 1691, the families of Cambridge Farms gained independence. The town was formally . . . — Map (db m18481) |
| Massachusetts (Middlesex County), Lexington — Hancock – Clarke House |
| | has been designated a Registered National Historic Landmark Under the provisions of the Historic Sites Act of August 21, 1935 this site possesses exceptional value in commemorating or illustrating the history of the United States U.S. Department of the Interior National Park Service 1971 — Map (db m18445) |
| Massachusetts (Middlesex County), Lexington — House of Jonathan Harrington |
| | House of Jonathan Harrington who wounded on the Common April 19, 1775 dragged himself to the door and died at his wife’s feet. Left Marker: Here lived John Augustus, shoemaker Friend of the poor victims of the law Pioneer in Probation — Map (db m18456) |
| Massachusetts (Middlesex County), Lexington — Lexington Green |
| | has been designated a Registered National Historic Landmark Under the provisions of the Historic Sites Act of August 21, 1935 this site possesses exceptional value in commemorating or illustrating the history of the United States U.S. Department of the Interior National Park Service 1962 — Map (db m18458) |
| Massachusetts (Middlesex County), Lexington — Lexington Meeting Houses |
| | Site of the first three Meeting Houses in Lexington I Built 1692, when the town was a parish of Cambridge: II Built 1713, on the Incorporation of Lexington: III Built 1794: Burned, 1846. This spot is thus identified with the town’s history for 50 years. Back of Marker: Pastorates: Benjamin Estabrook, 1692-1697. John Hancock, 1698 – 1752. Jonas Clarke, 1755 – 1805. Avery Williams, 1807 – 1815. Charles Briggs, 1819 – 1835. Wm. G. Sweet, 1836 – 1839. Jason . . . — Map (db m18485) |
| Massachusetts (Middlesex County), Lexington — Lexington Minuteman |
| | Marker contains no text other than identifying the sculpture's benefactor:
The bequest
of
Francis Brown Hayes
to
the town of Lexington — Map (db m23942) |
| Massachusetts (Middlesex County), Lexington — Lexington Ship Memorial |
| | Dedicated to the memory of those who served aboard a ship named Lexington ----------------- April 18, 1988 ----------------- The Lexington Lions Club U.S.S. Lexington CV-16 Association 1st Lexington 16 Gun Brigantine Originally the merchantman “Wild Duck”. Purchased by Continental Congress in March, 1776 and renamed in honor of the courageous Lexington Minutemen, she captured three British ships while patrolling Virginia Capes. Seized by a British frigate when returning from . . . — Map (db m18634) |
| Massachusetts (Middlesex County), Lexington — Line of the Minutemen |
| | Line of the Minutemen
April 19,1775
Stand your ground
Don't fire unless fired upon
But if they want war
let it begin here.
Captain Parker — Map (db m6380) |
| Massachusetts (Middlesex County), Lexington — Memorial to the Lexington Minute Men |
| | These men gave everything dear in life, yea and life itself in support of the common cause. Back of Monument: Memorial to the Lexington Minute Men who were on the Green in the early morning engagement April 19, 1775 Capt. John Parker • Lt. William Tidd • Ens. Robert Munroe • Ens. Joseph Simonds • Clerk Daniel Habrington • Orderly Sgt. William Munroe • Corp. Joel Viles • Corp. Samuel Sanderson • Corp. John Munroe • Corp. Ebenezer Parker • Drummer Willaim Diamond • Fifer Jonathan Harrington . . . — Map (db m18631) |
| Massachusetts (Middlesex County), Lexington — Munroe Tavern |
| | Lexington Historical Society Munroe Tavern 1695 Earl Percy’s Headquarters April 19, 1775 — Map (db m18452) |
| Massachusetts (Middlesex County), Lexington — Old Belfry |
| | This belfry was erected on this hill in 1761 and removed to the Common in 1768. In it was hung the bell which rung out the alarm on the 19th of April 1775. In 1797 it was removed to the Parker Homestead in the south part of the town. In 1891 it was brought back to this hill by the Lexington Historical Society. Destroyed by a gale 1909, rebuilt 1910. — Map (db m18483) |
| Massachusetts (Middlesex County), Lexington — Prince Estabrook |
| | In Honor of Prince Estabrook Prince Estabrook was a slave who lived in Lexington. At dawn on April, 19, 1775, he was one of the Lexington Minute Men awaiting the arrival of the British Regulars at the Buckman Tavern. In the battle which followed, Prince Estabrook was wounded on Lexington Green. Through circumstances and destiny, he thus became the first black soldier to fight in the American Revolution. This monument is dedicated to the memory of Prince Estabrook and the thousands of other . . . — Map (db m18446) |
| Massachusetts (Middlesex County), Lexington — Rendezvous of the Minute Men |
| | Built 1709 Rendezvous of the Minute Men before the Battle of Lexington April 19, 1775 — Map (db m18444) |
| Massachusetts (Middlesex County), Lexington — Rev. Carleton A. Staples |
| | The Hancock – Clarke House - Preserved from destruction in 1890 - stands as a memorial to Rev. Carleton A. Staples through whose personal efforts the building was saved and moved to this spot Instrumental in forming the Lexington Historical Society Army Chaplin • Minister • Citizen • This tablet placed in 1940 by those who cherish his memory — Map (db m19577) |
| Massachusetts (Middlesex County), Lexington — The Battle Green |
| | The battle fought on the Lexington Common between the British and the Americans on April 19, 1775 was one of the first great events of the American Revolution. But for a century afterwards, residents paid no particular attention to their town Common. They were not prepared for the turmoil and the over whelming demand for food and other necessities when, on a cold snowy day, 100,000 visitors streamed into town to see President Grant and other dignitaries at the Centennial Celebration of 1875. . . . — Map (db m18480) |
| Massachusetts (Middlesex County), Lexington — The Site of the Old Belfry |
| | The Site of The Old Belfry from which the alarm was rung April 19, 1775 This Tablet was erected by the Lexington Chapter Daughters of the American Revolution 1910 — Map (db m18454) |
| Massachusetts (Middlesex County), Lexington — This Flag Pole |
| | Dedicated as the permanent memorial of the 200th Anniversary of The Battle of Lexington April 19, 1775 First armed conflict of the American Revolution. Lexington Bicentennial Corporation 1976 Right Marker: This flag of the United States of America is flown on this pole 24 hours a day by act of Congress of the United States of America 1965 — Map (db m18460) |
| Massachusetts (Middlesex County), Lincoln — At This Well |
| | At this well April 19, 1775 James Hayward of Acton met a British soldier who raising his gun said You are a dead man. And so are you, replied Hayward Both fired. The soldier was instantly killed & Haywood mortally wounded. — Map (db m18249) |
| Massachusetts (Middlesex County), Lincoln — Bloody Angle — Minute Man Nat'l Hist Park, Mass — National Park Service |
| | Some of the most intense fighting on April 19, 1775 occurred in this area, which later became known as “Bloody Angle.” Unlike most of the 18th-century Battle Road landscape, which was open farmland, this site had woods and bends in the road which allowed the Colonists to set up an ambush. “Upon our ascending the height to the road” said British Lt. Sutherland, “[the Woburn Militia] gave us a very heavy fire, but some shot from the left hand drew my . . . — Map (db m18058) |
| Massachusetts (Middlesex County), Lincoln — Brooks Historical Area — Minute Man National Historical Park |
| | Minute Man National Historical Park was the starting place of the American Revolution: here the resolve of citizens willing to risk their lives for the ideals of liberty and self-determination was instrumental in the formation of the American identity. The park preserves sites where Colonial militia men and British soldiers clashed on April 19, 1775. A force of 700 British soldiers left Boston to seize military supplies stockpiled in Concord. Alarm riders alerted the countryside. In area . . . — Map (db m18378) |
| Massachusetts (Middlesex County), Lincoln — Ebenezer Fiske House Site — Minute Man Nat’l Hist Park, Mass |
| | An increasingly ragged British column fought its way over Fiske Hill. There was intense, close quarter fighting in this area as British flankers attempted to flush out Colonial snipers. At a nearby well, Minute Man James Hayward from Acton and a British soldier shot each other at close range. Another British Redcoat, out of ammunition, handed over his weapon and surrendered. The British column passed through here, leaving behind several wounded soldiers. Ebenezer Fiske’s cousin, Dr. Joseph . . . — Map (db m18282) |
| Massachusetts (Middlesex County), Lincoln — Ebenezer Fiske House Site — Minute Man National Historical Park |
| | Minute Man National Historical Park was the starting place of the American Revolution: here the resolve of citizens willing to risk their lives for the ideals of liberty and self-determination was instrumental in the formation of the American identity. The park preserves sites where Colonial militia men and British soldiers clashed on April 19, 1775. A force of 700 British soldiers left Boston to seize military supplies stockpiled in Concord. Alarm riders alerted the countryside. In area . . . — Map (db m18380) |
| Massachusetts (Middlesex County), Lincoln — End of Paul Revere’s Midnight Ride |
| | At this point, on the Old Concord Road as it then was ended the midnight ride of Paul Revere He had at about two o’clock on the morning of April 19, 1775, the night being clear and the moon in its third quarter, got this far on his way from Lexington to Concord, alarming the inhabitants as he went, when he and his companions, William Dawes, of Boston, and Dr. Samuel Prescott, of Concord, were suddenly halted by a British patrol, who had stationed themselves at this bend of the road. Dawes, . . . — Map (db m18030) |
| Massachusetts (Middlesex County), Lincoln — Hartwell Tavern Historical Area — Minute Man National Historical Park |
| | Minute Man National Historical Park was the starting place of the American Revolution: here the resolve of citizens willing to risk their lives for the ideals of liberty and self-determination was instrumental in the formation of the American identity. The park preserves sites where Colonial militia men and British soldiers clashed on April 19, 1775. A force of 700 British soldiers left Boston to seize military supplies stockpiled in Concord. Alarm riders alerted the countryside. In area . . . — Map (db m18373) |
| Massachusetts (Middlesex County), Lincoln — Josiah Nelson House |
| | This was the site of Josiah and Elizabeth Nelson’s home. Josiah was a farmer as well as a housewright – a person who built and repaired houses. According to family tradition, when a party of men on horseback was passing his house during the night, Josiah ran out and asked if there was news of the British march. Unfortunately for Josiah, these men were British officers, the same party that captured Paul Revere west of here. According to the legend, one of the officers drew his sword and . . . — Map (db m18290) |
| Massachusetts (Middlesex County), Lincoln — Minute Man Visitor Center — Minute Man National Historical Park |
| | Minute Man National Historical Park was the starting place of the American Revolution: here the resolve of citizens willing to risk their lives for the ideals of liberty and self-determination was instrumental in the formation of the American identity. The park preserves sites where Colonial militia men and British soldiers clashed on April 19, 1775. A force of 700 British soldiers left Boston to seize military supplies stockpiled in Concord. Alarm riders alerted the countryside. In area . . . — Map (db m18376) |
| Massachusetts (Middlesex County), Lincoln — Paul Revere Capture Site — Minute Man National Historical Park |
| | Minute Man National Historical Park was the starting place of the American Revolution: here the resolve of citizens willing to risk their lives for the ideals of liberty and self-determination was instrumental in the formation of the American identity. The park preserves sites where Colonial militia men and British soldiers clashed on April 19, 1775. A force of 700 British soldiers left Boston to seize military supplies stockpiled in Concord. Alarm riders alerted the countryside. In area . . . — Map (db m18374) |
| Massachusetts (Middlesex County), Lincoln — The Bluff & Fiske Hill — Minute Man Nat'l Hist Park, Mass — National Park Service |
| | The fighting between Colonists and British troops grew more intense as the struggle along the Battle Road wore on. In this stretch between the Bluff and Fiske Hill, the British column began to fall apart. While trying to restore order to his disorganized ranks, Major John Pitcairn (second-in-command of the British force) was thrown from his horse. The British soldiers were outnumbered and totally exhausted. Near here, the commander of the ill-fated expedition, Lt. Colonel Francis Smith, . . . — Map (db m18063) |
| Massachusetts (Middlesex County), Lincoln — The Capture of Paul Revere — Minute Man National Historical Park, Mass — National Park Service |
| | While passing through Lexington at around midnight, Revere and William Dawes met Dr. Samuel Prescott of Concord, who was riding home after courting Lydia Mulliken. Prescott agreed to help spread the alarm that “the Regulars were out.” The three men ran into a patrol of ten mounted British officers posted here to prevent word of the British marsh from reaching Concord. Revere was captured. Dawes escaped back towards Lexington. Prescott jumped his horse over a stone wall and eluded . . . — Map (db m18032) |
| Massachusetts (Middlesex County), Lincoln — The Midnight Riders — Minute Man National Historical Park, Mass — National Park Service |
| | In September of 1774, Patriot leaders initiated a system of alarms and express riders to warn all towns whenever British troops marched out of Boston. On April 18th, at about 10:00 in the evening, two riders set out from Boston ahead of 700 British troops. William Dawes took the land route south of Boston. Paul Revere crossed the Charles River, obtained a horse, and began his ride. They stopped in Lexington to warn Patriot leaders John Hancock and Samuel Adams, then headed on to Concord, where . . . — Map (db m18045) |
| Massachusetts (Middlesex County), Lincoln — The Story Continues — Minute Man Nat’l Hist Park, Mass |
| | The Historical Park ends here, but the Battle Road continues. The British column broke into a run as they approached Lexington Center. They were saved by a brigade of a thousand fresh troops, armed with two cannon. The commander, Earl Percy, ordered them to be fired. The Colonists scattered and the beleaguered British troops regrouped. The British force now numbered 1,700, and continued their march through Lexington into Menotomy (present-day Arlington.) The Colonial force had grown to nearly . . . — Map (db m18286) |
| Massachusetts (Middlesex County), Lincoln — This Bluff |
| | This Bluff was used as a rallying point by the British April 19, 1775. After a sharp fight they retreated to Fiske Hill from which they were driven in great confusion. — Map (db m18054) |
| Massachusetts (Middlesex County), Lincoln — Thomas Nelson Jr. House |
| | Thomas Nelson Sr. emigrated from England and acquired, through purchase, the land along this road both east and west of here. On his death, the land was split between his two sons and daughter. Thomas Jr. lived here, Josiah lived to the west and Tabitha owned the property she received. If she married, land ownership would have transferred to her husband. As British soldiers clashed with Colonists on the return march toward Boston on the afternoon of April 19, 1775, many of the local residents, . . . — Map (db m18256) |
| Massachusetts (Middlesex County), Lincoln — Thorning Boulder |
| | This site, called “Minute Man Boulder,” is associated with Lincoln Minute Man William Thorning’s heroic action on April 19th, 1775. According to local tradition, Thorning, who lived along this stretch of the Battle Road, joined in the pursuit of the British column. He encountered a flanking party of British light infantry. Dropping down into one of the farm ditches that crossed the landscape, he hid until the flanking party moved on. Thorning then ran to this rocky pasture and, . . . — Map (db m18243) |
| Massachusetts (Middlesex County), Lincoln — Weapon of the Day |
| | On April 19th, 1775, Colonists and British soldiers used the same type of gun – a flintlock musket that fired a one ounce solid lead ball. The effective range was one hundred yards (the length of a modern football field). These weapons were smooth bore – there were no groves in the barrel to put a spin on the ball to make it fly straight. Also, the ball was undersized to facilitate quick loading. Because muskets were not very accurate, they were most effective when fired by lines of . . . — Map (db m18258) |
| Massachusetts (Middlesex County), Lincoln — Whittemore House |
| | On April 19, 1775, the house before you was the home of Jacob and Esther Whittemore and their four children. Although they were not involved in the battle, local tradition tells that a British soldier was shot and killed in front of the blacksmith shop that was on their property 200 yards east of here along the Battle Road. The New England saltbox style of house was built to withstand and take advantage of natural weather patterns. The slanted roof assisted with snow melting, and deflected the . . . — Map (db m18246) |
| Massachusetts (Middlesex County), Lowell — Central Street |
| | Central Street has long been the primary north-south axis in the city of Lowell. Originally laid out to provide transportation between East Chelmsford and Billerica, Central Street was converted to one of Lowell’s two major commercial streets (along with Merrimack Street) by town planners in the early 1820s. Central Street has since served as the site of many of the city's most prominent buildings and businesses. — Map (db m1619) |
| Massachusetts (Middlesex County), Lowell — The Worker |
| | In 1821 Hugh Commisky led a band of laborers on a trek from Charlestown to Lowell. With muscle and sweat they dredged canals in the soil of rugged farmland. As others joined in their toil a complex waterpower system evolved, creating a new era of textile production. When one generation had endured and the clamor of manufacturing increased, immigrants came by the thousands seeking labor and a better life. This fountain celebrated workers and their contributions to industrial and human heritage. — Map (db m1620) |
| Massachusetts (Middlesex County), Marlborough — MA-19 — Gen. Henry Knox Trail |
| | Through this place passed General Henry Knox in the winter of 1775 – 1776 to deliver to General George Washington at Cambridge the train of artillery from Fort Ticonderoga used to force the British Army to evacuate Boston. Erected by the Commonwealth of Massachusetts 1927 — Map (db m17940) |
| Massachusetts (Middlesex County), Waltham — MA-25 — Gen. Henry Knox Trail |
| | Through this place passed General Henry Knox in the winter of 1775 – 1776 to deliver to General George Washington at Cambridge the train of artillery from Fort Ticonderoga used to force the British Army to evacuate Boston. Erected by the Commonwealth of Massachusetts 1927 — Map (db m18119) |
| Massachusetts (Middlesex County), Waltham — George Washington Memorial Highway |
| | This tablet marks the George Washington Memorial Highway at Waltham 1732 ------- 1932 — Map (db m18558) |
| Massachusetts (Middlesex County), Watertown — MA-26 — Gen. Henry Knox Trail |
| | Through this place passed General Henry Knox in the winter of 1775 – 1776 to deliver to General George Washington at Cambridge the train of artillery from Fort Ticonderoga used to force the British Army to evacuate Boston. Erected by the Commonwealth of Massachusetts 1927 — Map (db m18116) |
| Massachusetts (Middlesex County), Wayland — MA-23 — Gen. Henry Knox Trail |
| | Through this place passed General Henry Knox in the winter of 1775 – 1776 to deliver to General George Washington at Cambridge the train of artillery from Fort Ticonderoga used to force the British Army to evacuate Boston. Erected by the Commonwealth of Massachusetts 1927 — Map (db m18124) |
| Massachusetts (Middlesex County), Wayland — MA-22 — Knox Trail |
| | Fort Ticonderoga, N.Y. to Cambridge, Mass. — Map (db m18128) |
| Massachusetts (Middlesex County), Weston — MA-24 — Gen. Henry Knox Trail |
| | Through this place passed General Henry Knox in the winter of 1775 – 1776 to deliver to General George Washington at Cambridge the train of artillery from Fort Ticonderoga used to force the British Army to evacuate Boston. Erected by the Commonwealth of Massachusetts 1927 — Map (db m18120) |
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