New England - Massachusetts

Lexington

Recenter Map To This Location

Today, Lexington and Concord are residential suburbs of Boston, but their place in history has linked them together for over 200 years. It was here, in April 1775, that the Colonial troops fought with the British in skirmishes that eventually led to the American Revolution. That story comes alive in the preservation of the sites and monuments, and in the annual April 19th re-creation of those important events. In areas now designated as national parks, guides relate the events that led to the revolution giving the visitor, young and old, a graphic understanding of what took place during that momentous time. Perhaps the most famous story is that of Paul Revere’s horseback ride from Boston to Lexington and Concord—to warn of the impending attack by the British—which enabled the colonists to meet the challenge and drive them back. The Minuteman National Historic Park between the towns of Lexington, Lincoln, and Concord has a Minuteman Visitor Center showing a movie that re-creates that period.

To reach Lexington, leave Boston on Storrow Drive and then follow signs to Route 2, which takes you from Boston west through Cambridge and Arlington. Exit Route 2 in Arlington on Route 60 to Route 2A, which will take you into the center of Lexington. Lexington’s village green, with its several monuments to the April 19^th route of the British who fled back to Boston, is surrounded by lovely homes. There are a few shops and restaurants where you can refresh yourself after walking around the historic area.