Lexington in Middlesex County, Massachusetts — The American Northeast (New England)
Consecrated Grounds
Photographed by Mike McKeown, July 7, 2026
1. Consecrated Grounds Marker
On the morning of April 19, 1775, eight Minute Men died, casualties of the first battle of the American Revolution. In 1799, the Town of Lexington commemorated the Battle by commissioning a monument here on the Green (then called "the Common"). In 1835, the Town reburied seven of the eight men within the monument's iron fence, making the Green consecrated ground. Please be respectful as you explore this public park.
"The blood of these martyrs, in the cause of God and their country, was the cement of the union of these States..." Reverend Jonas Clarke
Casualties: Robert Munroe, Jonas Parker, Samuel Hadley, Jonathan Harrington Jr., Isaac Matry, Caleb Harrington, John Brown, Asahel Porter.
( image captions )
The Battle of Lexington, April 19, 1775.
The words on the War Monument were spoken by Reverend Jonas Clarke, the town pastor and an ardent revolutionary. His home, the Hancock-Clarke House, is open to visitors.
The Lexington Militia included brothers, fathers, sons, and undles. Of the men who fought here in 1775, one quarter were related to Militia leader Captain John Parker the Inspiration
this page online
Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Patriots & Patriotism • War, US Revolutionary. A significant historical date for this entry is April 19, 1775.
Location. 42° 26.935′ N, 71° 13.812′ W. Marker is in Lexington, Massachusetts, in Middlesex County. It is at the intersection of Bedford Street and Massachusetts Avenue, on the right when traveling south on Bedford Street. Located on the Lexington Battle Green, markers just behind the Captain John Parker Statue. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Lexington MA 02420, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Regionally, this marker is in Greater Boston. It is also in the American Northeast and in New England. Globally, it is in the North Atlantic Region, North America, the Western Hemisphere, the Western World, and the Anglosphere. Historically, it finds itself in what was once one of the original Thirteen Colonies.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker: Lexington Minuteman (here, next to this marker); Birthplace of American Liberty (a few steps from this marker); Explore the Green (a few steps from this marker); Line of the Minutemen (a few steps from this marker); Prince Estabrook (within shouting distance of this marker); Rendezvous of the Minute Men (within shouting distance of this marker); Lexington Meeting Houses (within shouting distance of this marker); Lexington Green (within shouting distance of this marker). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Lexington.
Also see . . . Lexington and Concord (American Battlefield Trust). (Submitted on July 8, 2026, by Mike McKeown of Baltimore, Maryland.)
Credits. This page was last revised on July 12, 2026. It was originally submitted on July 8, 2026, by Mike McKeown of Baltimore, Maryland. This page has been viewed 4 times since then. Photo 1. submitted on July 8, 2026, by Mike McKeown of Baltimore, Maryland. • Michael Herrick was the editor who published this page.
Editor’s want-list for this marker. A wide view photo of the marker and its surroundings. • • • Can you help?
