"The Birthplace of America" a Lexington Travel Page by emilienoelle

You know the rest. In the books you have read
How the British Regulars fired and fled,---
How the farmers gave them ball for ball,
From behind each fence and farmyard wall,
Chasing the redcoats down the lane,
Then crossing the fields to emerge again
Under the trees at the turn of the road,
And only pausing to fire and load. --Henry Wadsworth Longfellow

Today Lexington, Massachusetts is a modern, extremely affluent suburb of Boston about 10 miles north of the city, but in the world community it is best known for being "The Birthplace of America". For it was here on the early morning of April 19, 1775 that the first shot was fired in what would become the American War for Independence.

There are several historical sites to see here, most of which are free, as well as a lovely collection of boutiques, restaurants, and coffee shops all in a quaint, very walkable downtown. An afternoon in Lexington would make a great sidetrip if you are visiting the Boston area.

Lexington is about 10 miles south of where I live and we travel there frequently to have dinner and meet friends. My father lived in Lexington for 15 years, until late 1996, and as a result I am very familiar with this town and all that it has to offer. I even attended Lexington High School for a brief time before I was expelled. (This is a story for another time!)

The historic Buckman Tavern sits across the street from the famous Battle Green.

The First Church and Parish, Lexington sits at the far end of the Battle Green. This is the church that I attended when I was growing up and visiting my father. The inside of the sanctuary is bright and beautiful, though done in the New England Puritain tradition of "Less is More" and sparsely decorared.