Lexington Battle Green and other Lexington, MA Things to Do Tips

"Which party fired first I can not exactly say." -- Lt. Edward Gould, British Regular Army

It was on the Lexington town common, thereafter known as the Lexington Battle Green, that the first battle in the American Revolution was fought between the British Regular Army and the farmers and townspeople of Lexington on the morning of April 19, 1775. Though the people of Lexington were greatly outnumbered by the Red Coats, and many of them died, they were able to persevere against their enemy.

Each year on Patriot's Day, the second Monday in April and a legal holiday in Massachusetts commemorating this first battle, the Lexington Historical Society stages a historically accurate battle reenactment on the Green at the exact time that the actual battle was fought. This event is complete right down to the character actors who play actual townspeople and Brtish soldiers. It is an amazing sight to see and a must for American History Buffs.

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Address: Massachusetts Avenue & Clark Street
Directions: Downtown Lexington

The Buckman Tavern is located across Massachusetts Ave. from the Battle Green. This building served as the meeting place of the Minutemen before the famous battle. Among the Tavern's historical artifacts is its original front door, complete with a bullet hole from a British musket ball. The Tavern is open free to visitors from March to November.

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Address: Massachusetts Ave.
Directions: Across from Battle Green
Website: www.lexingtonhistory.org

This free museum run by the Freemasons has periodically changing exhibits on American History as well as permanent exhibits on the American Revolution and Freemasonry. Their collections include beautiful artifacts such as Paul Revere silver and early American and colonial furniture. When we visited they had a great exhibit on Paul Revere's famous midnight ride as well as another on products made in Massachusetts during the past 300 years. There is also a gift shop and cafe. Parking is free.

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Phone: 781-861-6559
Address: 33 Marrett Road
Directions: Route 2A
Website: www.monh.org

The Munroe Tavern is located 1 mile down Mass Ave. from Lexington Center towards Boston. It is famous because it served as the headquarters for General Earl Percy of the British Army as well as a hospital for wounded British Soldiers after the Battle of Lexington. Admission is free.

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Phone: 781-862-1703
Address: 1332 Massachusetts Ave.
Other Contact: www.lexingtonhistory.org

This statue of Captain John Parker is perhaps the most famous statue in Massachusetts. It is depicted on the back of the Massachusetts State Quarter and serves as an easily recognizable icon of our state. It was erected in memory of those who died on the morning of April 19, 1775.

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Directions: Head of Lexington Battle Green

Lexington's downtown area is full of homes that predate the famous Battle and thus the United States itself. These homes, though privately owned, come under a strict set of rules and regulations by the Historical Society. They are only allowed to be painted certain colors and any renovations are closely monitored to insure adherance to historically accurate building styles. Historic houses which were formerly the homes of Patriots are marked as such with plaques and visitors are allowed to view the grounds and photograph them, though not allowed inside. A friend of our family owned such a house when I was growing up, the home of a former doctor who took part in the Revolution, and it was not uncommon to find people out in the yard with cameras!

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Directions: Throughout the downtown and central area.