Lexington Audio Tour: Revolution Echoes on the Battle Green

Stops on this tour

1. location_on

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   Lexington Battle Green

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   Shots rang out-no one knows for sure who fired first-and the American Revolution began, right here. This grassy triangle, flanked by Massachusetts Avenue, Bedford Street, and…Read moreShow less

   Shots rang out-no one knows for sure who fired first-and the American Revolution began, right here. This grassy triangle, flanked by Massachusetts Avenue, Bedford Street, and Harrington Road, went from being a simple militia training ground (bought by Lexington townspeople shuffling their coins together in 1711) to the most famous patch of green in American history. Just think, the first casualties of the Revolution lay right here, and seven of those brave men are buried under the granite obelisk at the western edge of the common. If you walk to the eastern corner, you’ll find a bronze statue: Captain John Parker, the original team captain of the Lexington militia, looking as serious as a man who hates sneezing with a musket in hand. There’s even a monument where the old Belfry once rang out, rebuilt after a storm just for us history lovers. And believe it or not, this is one of only eight places in the country where the American flag can legally fly twenty-four hours a day-no bedtime for Old Glory! So, as you stand here today, imagine the courage, the confusion, and, yes, probably a little bit of fear that once filled this humble patch of grass. And don’t forget to wave to Captain Parker-rumor has it he appreciates the company!

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2. location_on

   2

   Lexington Battle Green

   play_arrowPreview
   Shots rang out-no one knows for sure who fired first-and the American Revolution began, right here. This grassy triangle, flanked by Massachusetts Avenue, Bedford Street, and…Read moreShow less

   Shots rang out-no one knows for sure who fired first-and the American Revolution began, right here. This grassy triangle, flanked by Massachusetts Avenue, Bedford Street, and Harrington Road, went from being a simple militia training ground (bought by Lexington townspeople shuffling their coins together in 1711) to the most famous patch of green in American history. Just think, the first casualties of the Revolution lay right here, and seven of those brave men are buried under the granite obelisk at the western edge of the common. If you walk to the eastern corner, you’ll find a bronze statue: Captain John Parker, the original team captain of the Lexington militia, looking as serious as a man who hates sneezing with a musket in hand. There’s even a monument where the old Belfry once rang out, rebuilt after a storm just for us history lovers. And believe it or not, this is one of only eight places in the country where the American flag can legally fly twenty-four hours a day-no bedtime for Old Glory! So, as you stand here today, imagine the courage, the confusion, and, yes, probably a little bit of fear that once filled this humble patch of grass. And don’t forget to wave to Captain Parker-rumor has it he appreciates the company!

   Open dedicated page →
3. location_on

   3

   Historical reenactment in Concord and Lexington, Massachusetts

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   You’ve arrived just in time-well, unless it’s 5:30 in the morning, because that’s when the real action kicks off for Lexington’s annual historical reenactment! Every Patriots’…Read moreShow less

   You’ve arrived just in time-well, unless it’s 5:30 in the morning, because that’s when the real action kicks off for Lexington’s annual historical reenactment! Every Patriots’ Day, as the sun’s first rays light up the Battle Green, crowds gather to witness the dramatic retelling of the “shot heard round the world”-the moment the American Revolution truly began on April 19, 1775. Imagine yourself in the early dawn, mist clinging to the grass, with Minute Men standing tense and determined, heartbeats racing as they wait for the British regulars to approach. Suddenly, the redcoats march in, their uniforms bright even in the weak morning light, and the captain’s words ring out: “Steady, men! Stand your ground! Do not fire unless fired upon!” With those words, history practically marches right up to tap you on the shoulder. But the drama doesn’t end with the sunrise. Volunteers take on the roles of both the daring Minute Men and the British soldiers-yes, someone always has to play the bad guy. The reenactment is so real, you might find yourself checking for powdered wigs. And if you’re curious about daily life back then, the Lexington Historical Society preserves sites like Munroe Tavern, where you’ll meet guides in full colonial attire-always ready to explain everything from musket drills to how colonial folks treated a headache (hint: it wasn’t chicken soup). So whether you cheer for redcoats or rebels, there’s a story here that springs to life before your eyes. It’s living history-with much better hygiene and fewer muskets pointed your way.

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