HISTORIC COLONIAL SITES

Some of the sites listed are open year round as they are outdoor monuments. Houses owned by the Lexington Historical Society are open from April through Labor Day from 10:00 a.m. until 4:00 p.m. Please visit the Lexington Historical Society web site for details.


Buckman TavernBuckman Tavern: Original meeting place of the Lexington Minute Men. Located at the corner of the Battle Green, the house belongs to the Lexington Historical Society. In this hostelry, built in 1710, minute men gathered to await the British Regulars on their march from Boston to Concord. Reaching the tavern just before dawn, the Regulars found 77 members of the Lexington Minute Men, formed in military fashion. Restored in the 1920s by the Lexington Historical Society, the Tavern's original seven-foot-wide tap-room fireplace was rediscovered, and the bar was re-installed. Many items are on display at the Tavern, including the old front door, complete with a hole made by a British musket ball on April 19, 1775.


Hancock-Clarke HouseHancock-Clarke House: Located on Hancock Street, this is the home to which Paul Revere rode on his famous ride to warn John Hancock and Samuel Adams of the approach of the British Regulars. On display at the Hancock-Clarke house are many items present on the 19th of April, 1775, including the drum of William Diamond and the brace of pistols belonging to British Marine Major Pitcairn.

 

Hayes Memorial FountainThe Minute Man Statue: Standing at the head of the Lexington Battle Green, the Minute Man Statue faces in the direction of the approaching Regulars. The Hayes Memorial Fountain, dedicated on April 19, 1900, was a gift of Mr. Francis B. Hayes.

 

Munroe Tavern: Located on Massachusetts Avenue, the tavern possesses rich history relevant to the April 19, 1775 fighting. It served as the headquarters for Brigadier General Earl Percy and his reinforcements. It is this contingent which saved Lieutenant Colonel Smith's men from total destruction. President Washington visited this house on his 1789 visit to Lexington.


The Depot Building: Home to the Lexington Historical Society. Currently under renovation, the vast collection of the Society will be displayed for public viewing.


Ye Olde Burying Ground: Located off Massachusetts Avenue.


The BelfryThe Belfry: The alarm calling the Minute Men to the Battle Green on April 19, 1775 was sounded from this Belfry. Now located opposite the Minute Man Statue on Massachusetts Avenue, it was moved from the Green when the third meeting house was built in 1794. Destroyed by weather in 1909, this replica was erected by the Lexington Historical Society in 1910.


The Obelisk: The Country's first memorial to its war casualties. Buried beneath the obelisk are the remains of those killed on April 19, 1775.


Sanderson House: Original home of Corporal Samuel Sanderson.


The Museum of Our National Heritage: Located on Massachusetts Avenue, home of the Masonic Lodge, presents numerous programs of interest to Lexington and Lexington's history.


Minute Man National Historic Park: Located on Route 2A, offers recreation of the Battle Road with period houses and a visitor's center.


Concord Bridge: Site of the First British Regular casualties of the American Revolution.


Meriam's Corner: Site of the first heavy exchange of gunfire between retreating Regulars and massing Militia units.


Paul Revere Capture Site: Route 2a in National Historic Park.