While all able-bodied men between the ages of 16 and 60 were required to hold a serviceable firearm and serve in the part-time citizen army called the militia, Minute Men were volunteers who dedicated their time to protecting their towns from foreign invasions and ravages of war. They were required to keep their firearms with them at all times and were the first to march to any battle, hence the name “Minute Man.”
Located just 20 miles outside of Boston within the towns of Lexington, Lincoln and Concord, Massachusetts, Minute Man National Historical Park remembers the opening battles of the American Revolution through preserving, protecting and interpreting the historic sites, structures, landscapes, events and ideas of the American Revolution.
Minute Man Visitor Center
Start your time in Minute Man National Historical Park in the Minute Man Visitor Center. Here you will discover “The Road To Revolution,” a multimedia theater program that provides an excellent introduction to the main park story and exhibits including a forty-foot mural depicting a fight between Colonists and British Regulars.
Battle Road Trail
Stretching five miles, this restored colonial landscape not only allows you to explore the famous battle that took place in the spring of 1775, but also takes a look at how the Revolutionary War changed the lives of individuals who lived through the American Revolution.
Hartwell Tavern
The Hartwell Tavern is an authentic 18th century home reminiscent of how people lived after the outbreak of the American Revolution. The Hartwell Tavern was once a home to the Hartwell family, a prosperous farm and a tavern. Its prime location served as an important landmark among those coming and going from Boston. Both locals and travelers would stop by the Hartwell Tavern to talk about the latest news and other important issues.
The Wayside
Next is the Wayside: Home of the Authors. From Samuel Whitney to Louisa May Alcott, the Wayside was home to three families of authors who kept the spirit of the American Revolution alive through great works of literature.
The Concord’s North Bridge
Take a closer look at where the famous “shot heard ‘round the world” was fired. Here the renowned Minute Man statue built by Daniel Chester French can be found. It is the perfect spot to reflect on the Revolutionary War.
North Bridge Visitor Center
Located in a brick mansion built in 1911 by descendents of the Buttrick family is the North Bridge Visitor Center. Learn about the North Bridge fight through a media presentation and exhibits including the brass cannon dubbed “The Hancock.” During 1775 “The Hancock” was smuggled out of Boston and is known as one of the four brass cannons hidden in Concord. When General Gage’s sent British troops to Concord on April 19, 1775, one of his chief motives was the recovery of “The Hancock.”
-In the Minute Man Visitor Center, Park Rangers on duty will be happy to answer any questions you might have about Minute Man National Historical Park.
-Shop and explore the bookstore in the North Bridge Visitor Center for gifts and souvenirs.