Revolutionary War

Overlooking Monument Square is Concord’s Old Hill Burying Ground, which officially dates back to 1677, though is thought to contain unmarked graves from the town’s earliest settlers. Several prominent figures are buried here, including Captain John Parker, who led the militia men on April 19, 1775. John Jack, the first free slave to own land in Concord, is also buried here. Monument Square, Concord, MA 01742

Stroll through history at Minuteman National Historic Park. Visit the Old North Bridge, walk in the footsteps of the Minute Men on Battle Road, or learn about some of Concord’s literary history at the Wayside. The North Bridge, Minute Man Statue, grave of British Soldiers and monuments, marks “the shot heard round the world.” Check visitor center or web-site for the ranger talk schedule.

Visit the Concord Free Public Library for a glance into our amazing history. Filled with art, sculpture and a special collection that includes the original manuscript of Little Women, you won’t want to miss this.

Sites to see include the Old North Bridge, Minuteman Statue and 2 visitor centers with live and recorded presentations.  Open Daily April 1-October 31. Free

The Concord Museum, at 53 Cambridge Turnpike, has a collection of artifacts used on the day the American Revolution began: Muskets, powder horns, flints, and of course, one of the two lanterns that Paul Revere had placed in the steeple of Boston’s Old North Church to signal the patriots of the advance of the Redcoats. (Other periods of Concord history are represented, too, including Henry David Thoreau’s desk and other items, and Native American stone tools going back 10,000 years.) Watch the Museum’s website for an all-new exhibit opening in 2021 that tells the story of April 19, 1775.