History Becomes Real at Minute Man Park

Earlier this week, I wrote about Authors Ridge at Sleepy Hollow Cemetery in Concord, MA. But if you’re not into literary destinations, you might prefer the nearby Minute Man National Historic Park instead. It’s a great place for anyone to visit and reflect on the beginnings of America.

The park is especially loved by history buffs. In addition, Minute Man is a wonderful place to take children who have studied the Revolutionary War. Plus, if you’re staying in Boston, you can get to the park via a short train ride.

North Bridge, inside the park, is a place where the history books truly come alive. It’s the site of the first battle of the Revolutionary War and “the shot heard around the world” on April 19, 1775.

The park is made up of 900 acres along Battle Road, between Lexington and Concord. Visitors can walk the five-mile Battle Road Trail and see reenactments of colonial life. Two main points along the trail are the Paul Revere Capture Site and the Hartwell Tavern Historical Area, which features an authentic period home that was used as a farm and tavern.

However, to me, the highlight is North Bridge. I wasn’t expecting to see the solemn Grave of the British Soldiers, where two British soldiers who died during the North Bridge fight found their final resting spot. There’s also a Minute Man Statue that represents a generic farmer who leaves his field to take up arms to defend his land and fight for freedom. The North Bridge spans the Concord River and was restored again in 2005. The original bridge was removed in 1778.

For more information on visiting hours, which vary by season, visit nps.gov.

(Image via flickr/yonsu )