Old North Bridge

Top choice in Boston's Western Suburbs


A half-mile north of Monument Sq in Concord center, the wooden span of Old North Bridge is the site of the ‘shot heard around the world’ (as Emerson wrote in his poem Concord Hymn). This is where enraged minutemen fired on British troops, forcing them to retreat to Boston. Daniel Chester French’s first statue, Minute Man, presides over the park from the opposite side of the bridge.

On the far side of the bridge, the Buttrick mansion contains the visitor center, where you can see a video about the battle and admire the Revolutionary War brass cannon, the Hancock.


Lonely Planet's must-see attractions

Nearby Boston's Western Suburbs attractions

1. Old Manse

0.09 MILES

Right next to Old North Bridge, the Old Manse was built in 1769 by Ralph Waldo’s grandfather, Reverend William Emerson. Today, it’s filled with mementos,…

2. Robbins House

0.15 MILES

Just opposite the Old North Bridge, this modest 544-sq-ft clapboard farmhouse belonged to the family of Caesar Robbins, one of Concord's first freed…

3. Bullet Hole House

0.16 MILES

On your way up to Old North Bridge, look for the yellow Bullet Hole House, where British troops purportedly fired at the owner of the house as they…

4. Sleepy Hollow Cemetery

0.52 MILES

This is the final resting place for the most famous Concordians. Though the entrance is only a block east of Monument Sq, the most interesting part,…

5. Monument Square

0.57 MILES

The grassy center of Monument Sq is a favorite resting and picnicking spot for cyclists touring Concord's scenic roads. At the southeastern end of the…

6. Concord Art

0.65 MILES

Recently celebrating its centenary, this long-standing art center hosts free exhibitions, artist talks and other events. Stop by to see what Concord's…

7. Ralph Waldo Emerson Memorial House

0.89 MILES

This house is where the philosopher lived for almost 50 years until 1882. Emerson was the paterfamilias of literary Concord, one of the great literary…

8. Concord Museum

0.9 MILES

Southeast of Monument Sq, Concord Museum brings the town’s diverse history under one roof. The museum’s prized possession is one of the ‘two if by sea’…