Col. James Barrett Farm facts for kids
Quick facts for kids |
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Col. James Barrett Farm
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The Barrett Farmhouse
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 Location in Massachusetts
Location in the United States
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| Location | Concord, Massachusetts |
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| Built | 1705 |
| NRHP reference No. | 73000290 |
| Added to NRHP | November 15, 1973 |
The Col. James Barrett Farm, also known as Barrett's Farm, is a very old and important farm located at 448 Barrett's Mill Road in Concord, Massachusetts. It played a key role in the start of the American Revolutionary War.
Contents
The Barrett Farm's Role in the Revolution
Who Was Colonel James Barrett?
James Barrett was a leader in the local Militia in Concord, Massachusetts. He held the rank of Colonel. His farm became famous during the Battles of Lexington and Concord. These battles were the very first fights of the American Revolutionary War.
Why Was the Farm Important?
The British knew that Colonel Barrett's farm was a secret storage place. It held many important supplies for the Concord Militia. These supplies included gunpowder, weapons, and two valuable bronze cannons. The British wanted to capture these items.
The British March to Concord
On April 19, 1775, British soldiers, called British Regulars, marched from Boston. Their mission was to travel about 20 miles inland to Concord. General Thomas Gage had ordered them to seize the cannons and raid the weapons stored at the farm.
However, the British faced resistance along the way. They fought against American colonists in both Lexington, Massachusetts and Concord. Before the British soldiers reached Barrett's Farm, the colonists had already hidden all the supplies. They moved them to a nearby field. Because of this, the British never found the hidden weapons or cannons.
History and Preservation of the Farm
When Was the Farm Built?
The Col. James Barrett Farm was built a long time ago, in 1705. It has stood for centuries. In 1973, it was recognized for its historical importance. It was added to the National Register of Historic Places. This list includes buildings and sites that are important to American history.
Restoring the Farmhouse
Over time, the old farmhouse fell into disrepair. A group called Save Our Heritage worked for eight years to restore it. They brought the farmhouse back to its original condition. The money for this restoration came from local donations and private groups. The Department of the Interior also provided a special grant.
Becoming a National Park Site
In March 2009, the United States Congress passed a law. This law added Barrett's Farm to the Minute Man National Historical Park. This park protects important sites from the American Revolution.
In August 2012, the National Park Service officially took ownership of the Barrett House. They also acquired the 3.4 acres of land around it from Save Our Heritage. In October 2012, a celebration was held. It marked the completion of the restoration and the transfer of ownership. Congresswoman Niki Tsongas played a key role in making Barrett's Farm part of the national park system. She also spoke at the event.
