Summary: The Revolutionary War began right here in Lexington and Concord in 1775. The National Park Service helps to explain the significance of the battles between the colonial militiamen and the British Redcoats. The 900+ acre park also includes "The Wayside", home to some of America's best known authors, including Nathaniel Hawthorne and Louisa May Alcott.

The Start of the American Revolution
Imagine the thrill of standing on the very spot where the "shot heard 'round the world" was fired. At the Minute Man National Park, in Lexington, Lincoln and Concord, the National Park Service has created a refuge from the 20th century that helps visitors understand the way life was at the birth of our nation in April of 1775.

Orientation
The park's 900+ acres wind along the farmers' fields and rolling hills of the Concord River valley just west of Route 128. There are two visitor centers at the park: the Minute Man Visitor Center on Route 2A; and, further west, the North Bridge Visitor Center, just outside of Historic Concord Center (174 Liberty Street, Concord). Most park events take place at the Minute Man center, where exhibits, dioramas and two 22-minute presentations bring the past to life.

Minute Man Visitors Center
The first presentation is the film, "To Keep Our Liberty." It covers the events leading up to the battles of Lexington and Concord. The second presentation, "Road to Revolution" follows the events of that fated day. If you only have time for one show we strongly urge you not to miss the multimedia "Road to Revolution." By the light flickering in the colonial fireplace of the Hartwell Tavern, our narrator describes the events of April 18-19 as we watch the distant lights of the Boston skyline fade, and the smartly equipped British redcoats meet their destiny at the hands of the brave and passionate colonials who drove them back the 22 miles to Charlestown Harbor.

Battle Road
The park is centered along the 5 1/2-mile stretch known as Battle Road. This winding cartpath is bordered by stone walls that follow, in part, the road as it was in 1775. Some of the surrounding fields are still actively farmed, and many historic buildings that have been restored to their 18th century appearance. Since no motorized vehicles are permitted on the trail, a slower pace of bygone days helps to set the colonial mood. Hiking along Battle Road brings you to many monuments, plaques and displays that explain the events of those historic times.

In Case You Have Forgotten...
On April 18, 1775, 700 British soldiers gathered on Boston Common to prepare for a raid on a suspected weapons storehouse, believed to be hidden in Concord. When this news leaked out to the colonists, Paul Revere rode to spread the word to other patriots to hide the weapons and defend their land. Contrary to legend, Revere was captured by the British on Battle Road before he reached Concord, but one fellow rider eluded the British and rounded up a small band of 70 men to meet the redcoats at the North Bridge in Concord. It is believed that the British fired upon the colonists by mistake, yet this lead to two American casualties. The patriots immediately fired back and the battle had begun. The British regulars were completely unprepared for the Minute Men's brand of warfare; armed militiamen hid behind every tree and boulder, attacking the troops and leaders, and forcing the redcoats back to Boston in full rout. By the end of the day, 273 British soldiers were dead or wounded, and Minute Men from all over eastern Massachusetts had surrounded Boston. Less than a year later, the British surrendered Boston entirely.

Insider Tip
Although the park visitation peaks in the summer, it is better seen in the spring and late fall, when the trails are less crowded. If you go on a gray or misty day in November or early spring, the weather will approximate that of the days those early patriots faced down king and crown to make the North American continent their own.

Accessibility
Both visitor centers have handicapped accessible rest rooms and gift shops, as well as outdoor picnic areas. The main parking area is about a 5-minute walk to the visitors center. Persons with disabilities should seek permission to park in the small driveway directly behind the visitors center. For hours, admission fees and information about special events, visit the National Park Service web site.

How to Get There
Take Route 128 to Route 2A west (Exit 30B). Follow Route 2A west approximately 1/3 mile. You will enter the park and see signs for the Minute Man Visitor Center.

by Brian Cacchiotti and Judy Otto

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