The famous ride of Paul Revere may have begun in Boston, but the events of April 19, 1775, beginning with two lanterns in the steeple of the Old North Church spread west toward Lexington and Concord. Minute Man National Historical Park captures the history of the day’s events.

Here’s a rundown of what Minute Man National Historical Park has to offer visitors and historians of all ages. The park commemorates the events of April 19, 1775, and the beginning of the American Revolution.

Follow the Events of April 19, 1775

When Paul Revere saw two lanterns hanging in the steeple of the Old North Church, he headed west to raise the alarm. The Regulars were heading toward Concord to capture weapons from the colonists.

Around 1 a.m., Paul Revere and William Dawes, who joined in on sounding the alarm, leave Lexington. Samuel Prescott, a young patriot, also joined in the ride. Roughly three miles down the road toward Concord, Paul Revere is captured. Williams Dawes lost his horse. However, Prescott was able to continue the ride to Concord and warn the militia. Revere was released a few hours later.

As you make your way west our of Lexington, stop at the Minute Man Visitor Center. You’ll find lots of information about those early hours of the American Revolution. Be sure and watch the award-winning short film, The Road to Revolution while at the visitor center. It shows every 30 minutes from 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Don’t forget to pick up a map of the park.

A little further down the road, you can stop at the spot where Paul Revere was captured. You’ll notice a lot of other houses and parking areas as you make your way through the park. If you’ve got the time, take a few moments to visit these historic sites. It’s a learning experience for people of all ages. It’s also humbling to see the sites where the first days of the American Revolution unfolded.

Visit the Houses of Literary Giants

We were surprised to drive by some typical colonial houses where famous authors lived. For example, if you’ve read the book, Little Women, then you’ll want to stop and explore the house where the story was set: Orchard House. The author, Louisa May Alcott, grew up in Orchard House. Her neighbor was author Nathaniel Hawthorne. He lived in The Wayside home. Tours are available for both houses, but there is an admission fee.

Just down the street from those two homes stands the home of Ralph Waldo Emerson (pictured above). This house is not officially part of the Minute Man National Historical Park. However, it’s open for tours during the summer months.

North Bridge and “The Shot Heart Round the World”

We spent most of our time at the North Bridge Visitor Center and the North Bridge itself. You’ll find dioramas of the landscape, with depictions of how the battle at North Bridge occurred. You’ll also find a little gift shop. I figured it was an appropriate place to buy the book 1776, by David McCullough. I’m glad I did.

There is a wide dirt and gravel hiking trail from the visitor center to the bridge. It’s an easy walk, with time to reflect on the events that transpired around 9 a.m. on April 19, 1775. The British are approaching the bridge, in search of weapons they believe are stockpiled nearby. The British soldiers fire, killing two colonials. The militia officer orders his men to return fire. That alone is an act of treason against the King and would later be referred to as “The shot heard round the world.”

Each side of the North Bridge is a monument. One to the militia men who died that day. One to the British soldiers who died that day as well.

Following this exchange of gunfire at the North Bridge, the British start a retreat toward Boston. Later that evening they would reach Charlestown. The American Revolutionary War was officially underway.

Ranger Programs in Minute Man National Historical Park

Minute Man National Historical Park has a Junior Ranger Program. It also offers six ranger-led programs. The days and times of the programs vary, so visit their website for specific times. Here’s a rundown of what you can see:

• Ranger-led Battle Site Exploration: Parker’s Revenge Location: Minute Man Visitor Center; Length: 30 minutes; Cost: Free.
• North Bridge Ranger Program Location: North Bridge; Length: 20 minutes; Cost: Free.
• Hartwell Tavern Ranger Program Location: Hartwell Tavern; Length: 20 minutes; Cost: Free.
• Ranger-led Battle Site Exploration: Bloody Angle Location: Just west of Hartwell Tavern; Length: 30 minutes; Cost: Free.
• Whittmore House Programs Location: Whittmore House; Length: 20 minutes; Cost: Free.
• The Wayside: Home of Authors Program Location: The Wayside; Length: 20 minutes; Cost: $7 for adults; $5 seniors and students age 17+ w/ID. Kids 16 and under are free.

The Details

Address: 174 Liberty St, Concord, MA 01742. However, the park stretches between Lexington and Concord Massachusetts.

Parking: There are parking lots at the visitor centers and some of the homes featured along the route.

Cost: It’s free to visit the park. However, if you have a group of 15 people or more and wish to watch the film, The Road to Revolution, there is a $1.50 charge per person. Reservations are made online. If you’re interested in participating in The Wayside: Home of Authors Program, it’s $7 for adults, $5 for seniors and students 17 and older with student ID. Children 16 and under are free.

Hours: The grounds of the park are open year-round, sunrise to sunset. Both visitor centers are only open April 1 to October 31, from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.  Hartwell Tavern, Whittmore House and Wayside Home have various hours of operation during the summer months, and are closed in the winter.

Website: https://www.nps.gov/mima/index.htm

Phone: (978) 369-6993

PIN THIS: