Buckman Tavern facts for kids
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Buckman Tavern
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Buckman Tavern, Lexington, Massachusetts
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 Location in Massachusetts
Location in the United States
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| Location | 1 Bedford Street, Lexington, Massachusetts |
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| Built | ca. 1709–1710 |
| Architect | Benjamin Muzzey |
| Architectural style | Federal |
| NRHP reference No. | 66000137 |
Quick facts for kids Significant dates |
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| Added to NRHP | October 15, 1966 |
| Designated NHL | January 20, 1961 |
Buckman Tavern is a very old building in Lexington, Massachusetts. It played an important part in the start of the American Revolutionary War. This war began with the first battle, the Battle of Lexington and Concord, in 1775. Today, the tavern is a museum. The Lexington Historical Society runs it, showing visitors what life was like long ago.
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A Look at Buckman Tavern's Past
The Buckman Tavern was built around 1709 or 1710. A man named Benjamin Muzzey built it. It was the very first public house, or tavern, in Lexington. He got a special license to open it in 1693.
Benjamin Muzzey ran the tavern for many years. After him, his son John took over. Later, when the famous battle happened, John's granddaughter and her husband, John Buckman, were in charge. John Buckman was part of the local defense group.
A Meeting Place for Patriots
For many years, the tavern was a popular spot for local soldiers. These soldiers were called "militiamen." They would gather there on days when they practiced their training on the Lexington Green.
Unlike some other towns, Lexington did not have a special "minuteman company." Instead, they had a "training band." This was an old English name for a group of local citizens ready to defend their town.
The Start of the American Revolution
The Battle of Lexington and Concord began early in the morning on April 19, 1775. The militiamen had heard that the British army was leaving Boston. The British planned to take or destroy military supplies in Concord.
Several dozen militiamen first gathered on the town common. Then, they went to Buckman Tavern. They waited there for the British troops to arrive. Just before sunrise, they received clear news.
Captain Parker's company of militia left the tavern. They lined up in two rows on the common. When the British army arrived, a single shot was fired. No one knows for sure who fired that first shot. But with that shot, the American Revolutionary War officially began.
More Than Just a Tavern
Buckman Tavern is most famous as the meeting place for the militia. But it was also one of the busiest taverns in Lexington during the 1700s. It was home to Lexington's first village store. Later, in 1813, it even housed the town's first post office.
Visiting the Historic Buckman Tavern
Today, the inside of Buckman Tavern looks much like it did in 1775. You can see the restored taproom, which was the main room where people gathered. It has a large fireplace and a big chimney in the middle.
Many interesting items are on display. One special item is the old front door. It has a bullet hole that might have been made by a British musket ball during the battle. There is also a painting of John Buckman.
Buckman Tavern was recognized as a National Historic Landmark in 1961. This means it is a very important place in American history.
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