The first skirmishes of the Revolutionary War took place on April 19, 1775 in the area covered by The Minuteman National Historical Park. Here, fights at North Bridge and Lexington Common announced the start of violent clashes between the colonialists and the British with the "shot that was heard around the world" as Ralphe Waldo Emerson famously wrote. Today the area is a National Historical Park and hosts events, tours and programs designed to educate and entertain the public.
Things to Do
- Between Memorial Day and the end of October the Minuteman National Park runs multiple tours and programs for the general public. Tours are led by Park Rangers and include informative tours on the Battle of North Bridge, a multimedia presentation on the events leading up to the outbreak of the Revolutionary War and also a program on the British Redcoats.
- There is much for literary fans to enjoy. This part of the country holds an important place in American Literature seeing as Nathaniel Hawthorne, Ralph Waldo Emerson, Henry David Throeau and the Alcotts all lived and worked here.
- While in the area you should take the opportunity to visit Wayside House, a place frequented by all of these authors. Fans of Hawthorne are in for an even greater treat with tours of his home and his neighborhood.
Minuteman National Park Insider Tips
- When you arrive head to the Park Visitors' Center first to get a map and be pointed in the right direction of whatever interests you most. There is also a small gift shop in the Center if you want to grab souvenirs.
- The park itself is very picteuresque and can be enjoyed by nature lovers. It's a nice place for a photo too.
- The Park's website has brochures for you to download and print off ahead of time.