Concord in Middlesex County, Massachusetts — The American Northeast (New England)
Reflections of the Revolution
Photographed By Bill Coughlin, April 17, 2009
1. Reflections of the Revolution Marker
Their flag to April’s breeze unfurled,
Here once the embattled farmers stood,
And fired the shot heard round the world.
The foe long since in silence slept;
Alike the conqueror silent sleeps;
And Time the ruined bridge has swept
Down the dark stream that seaward creeps.
On this green bank, by this soft stream,
We set to-day a votive stone;
That memory may their deed redeem,
When, like our sires, our sons are gone.
Spirit, that made those heroes dare
to die, and leave their children free,
Bid Time and Nature gently spare
The shaft we raised to them and thee.
“And Time the ruined bridge has swept . . . ” The landscape surrounding the North Bridge area has changed considerably since “the embattled farmers stood.” Farms have been abandoned. The old bridge was dismantled and old roads have disappeared.
“We set to-day a votive stone . . . ” Other changes were the deliberate work of reverent townsfolk seeking to celebrate and understand our revolutionary past. The North Bridge sits in a 19th-century commemorative landscape. Two grand rows of trees create a ceremonial entrance from the east.
this page online
In 1837, the first monument was dedicated on the site. Since there was no bridge at that time, it was placed on the “British” side, which was closest to town. During the dedication ceremony, the “Concord Hymn” by Ralph Waldo Emerson was sung, forever linking the phrase, “the shot heard round the world” with the North Bridge fight.
Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Arts, Letters, Music • War, US Revolutionary. A significant historical year for this entry is 1775.
Location. 42° 28.207′ N, 71° 21.149′ W. Marker is in Concord, Massachusetts, in Middlesex County. Marker can be reached from Liberty Street, on the right when traveling north. Marker is located in the Minute Man National Historic Park, overlooking the North Bridge. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Concord MA 01742, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. Two Revolutions (here, next to this marker); An Evolving Legacy (here, next to this marker); The Muster Field (about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line); The North Bridge (about 400 feet away); The Road to Colonel Barrett’s (about 500 feet away); Captain Isaac Davis
Photographed By Bill Coughlin, April 17, 2009
2. Markers in Minute Man National Historic Park
There are several markers found at this location. The Reflections of the Revolution marker is seen here on the left. The North Bridge, mentioned on the marker, is visible in the background.
More about this marker. The marker contains a portrait of Ralph Waldo Emerson and a picture of the Concord Battle Monument.
Photographed By Bill Coughlin, April 17, 2009
3. Concord Battle Monument
The North Bridge is seen here behind the Concord Monument. It is within sight of the marker.
Credits. This page was last revised on October 18, 2018. It was originally submitted on July 29, 2011, by Bill Coughlin of Woodland Park, New Jersey. This page has been viewed 689 times since then and 13 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on July 29, 2011, by Bill Coughlin of Woodland Park, New Jersey.
