The historic Battle Green is where the skirmish between patriots and British troops jump-started the War of Independence. The Lexington Minuteman Statue (crafted by Henry Hudson Kitson in 1900) stands guard at the southeastern end of Battle Green, honoring the bravery of the 77 minutemen who met the British here in 1775, and the eight who died.

The Parker Boulder, named for their commander, marks the spot where the minutemen faced a force almost 10 times their strength. It is inscribed with Parker's instructions to his troops: 'Stand your ground. Don't fire unless fired upon. But if they mean to have a war, let it begin here.' Across the street, history buffs built a replica of the Old Belfry that sounded the alarm signaling the start of the revolution.


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1. Buckman Tavern

0.04 MILES

Facing the Battle Green, the 1709 Buckman Tavern was the headquarters of the minutemen. Here, they spent the tense hours between the midnight call to arms…

2. Hancock-Clarke House

0.32 MILES

This 1737 house was the home of Reverend John Hancock (grandfather of the John Hancock, the Declaration signer). On the night of April 18, 1775, the good…

3. Munroe Tavern

0.91 MILES

One mile east of the Battle Green, this historic tavern is named for the 18th-century proprietor, William Munroe, who was also an orderly sergeant in the…

4. Minute Man National Historic Park

1.99 MILES

The route that British troops followed to Concord has been designated the Minute Man National Historic Park. The visitor center at the eastern end of the…

5. Thoreau Farm

4.31 MILES

Fans of Thoreau can travel off the beaten path to the house where he was born, which is about 2.4 miles east of Concord center. Henry David lived in his…

6. DeCordova Sculpture Park & Museum

4.34 MILES

The magical DeCordova Sculpture Park encompasses 35 acres of green hills, providing a spectacular natural environment for a constantly changing exhibit of…

7. Wayside

5.29 MILES

Also known as the 'Home of Authors,' this gracious Colonial mansion was home to three writers of note during the 19th century. Louisa May Alcott,…

8. Orchard House

5.39 MILES

Louisa May Alcott (1832–88) was a junior member of Concord’s august literary crowd, but her work proved to be durable: Little Women is among the most…