Overview
The events that occurred at Lexington and Concord, Massachusetts on April 19, 1775 were immortalized by Ralph Waldo Emerson as “the shot heard round the world.” First of all, a “Minute Man” was a colonial militiaman who was always ready to fight at a minute’s notice. Secondly, when the colonial militia fired upon British troops at North Bridge, it was considered an act of treason against the Crown and truly started the Revolutionary War at a time when the majority of colonists did not want independence.
Highlights
Films, Hartwell Tavern, North Bridge, the Wayside, Sleepy Hollow Cemetery
Must-Do Activity
If your memory on what exactly happened here is a bit foggy, start with the multimedia presentation at either of two National Park Service (NPS) visitor centers, located in the suburbs west of Boston. At Lexington, you will learn the true story of how Paul Revere’s ride ended early when he was captured by British soldiers and that he did not mention redcoats, instead yelling “the Regulars are coming out!” At Concord, you will learn about “the shot heard round the world.”
Best Trail
Battle Road Trail stretches 5 miles between Fiske Hill in Lexington to Meriam’s Corner in Concord, and is open to bicycles. It passes many historic sites, including Hartwell Tavern.
Instagram-worthy Photo
We recommend a walk up Author’s Ridge in Sleepy Hollow Cemetery. The graves of famous local writers, including Ralph Waldo Emerson, Henry David Thoreau, Louisa May Alcott, and Nathaniel Hawthorne, are located here.
Peak Season
Summer
Hours
Hours for the many historic buildings vary and most are not open every day of the week.
https://www.nps.gov/mima/planyourvisit/hours.htm
Fees
None, except at some historic buildings (like the Wayside) which require guided tours.
Road Conditions
All roads paved
Camping
Harold Parker State Forest (28 miles northeast) has campsites with running water. There is no camping at Walden Pond State Reservation.
North Bridge reflection 
Scott with a minute man statue near the North Bridge 
Grave of British soldiers killed at the North Bridge 
Tiff at a boathouse used by Henry David Thoreau near the North Bridge 
Inside the main visitor center 
The visitor center’s multimedia presentation about Paul Revere’s ride 
Wondon at the Wayside 
Tiff walking Author’s Ridge in Sleepy Hollow Cemetery
Explore More – Which famous authors once resided at the Wayside in Concord, Massachusetts?
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