History Is Alive In Lexington

Lexington, 35,000 population, is called the “Birthplace of American Liberty”. The town has a proud tradition of hosting visitors from throughout the nation and around the world interested in the historical picture of our nation’s first patriots.

Few towns that I have visited in Massachusetts typify the New England spirit like Lexington. It is an affluent community that prides itself on the scenic beauty of town, land and of its glorious history.

It was on Battle Green, on the morning of April 19, 1775, that “the first blood was spilt in the dispute with Great Britain,” as George Washington wrote in his diary. In this first skirmish, 77 Minutemen (local colonists who had volunteered to be first responders to military and other threats) faced British Regulars.

Today there is an annual reenactment of the First Shots Fired. They still are not sure who did fire the first shot, but that’s not important anymore. It takes place on Lexington Green, the triangular common area in the center of old Lexington center, where they say the first shots of the American Revolution were fired.

 Seniors Find History, History, History

Lexington is probably most well known for its history and is home to many historical buildings, parks, and monuments, most dating from Colonial and Revolutionary times. Just 11 miles northwest of Boston, Lexington is only a 2 to 3 hour drive from Cape Cod.

Senior visitors, you can board a classic trolley to ride along the historic Battle Road while your costumed guide recounts the exciting events of April 19, 1775. The gravestones on The Old Burying Ground dating from 1690 are the oldest in Lexington. Senior citizens can walk in the footsteps of Paul Revere, Samuel Adams, John Hancock, and George Washington.

Lexington was first settled in 1642 as part of Cambridge, Mass. What is now Lexington was incorporated as a parish, called Cambridge Farms, in 1691. How it received its name is the subject of some controversy. Some people believe that it was named in honor of a fellow named Lord Lexington, an English peer. A few, on the other hand, think that the town was named after Lexington, which was pronounced and today spelled Laxton in England.

Seniors Visit Old Houses, Old Taverns, Old Bridges

Senior visitors enjoy the old houses like the Hancock-Clarke House (1698) , The Buckman Tavern (1704-10), the MunroeTavern (1690). Old Hartwell Tavern on Battle Road has to fit in as well. I remember Old North Bridge that is equally as famous as this video shows. Paul Revere rode 16 miles from Olde North Church in Boston to Lexington.

The Minute Man National Historical Park with over 900 acres, is operated by the National Park Service and located within the Massachusetts towns of Lexington, Lincoln, and Concord. The Park preserves and protects the significant historic sites, structures, properties, and landscapes associated with the opening battles of the American Revolution.

So come and feel the excitement that still reigns in Lexington.  jeb