Hartwell Tavern facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Hartwell Tavern |
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Hartwell Tavern, pictured in 2019
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| Alternative names | Ephraim Hartwell House |
| General information | |
| Architectural style | Saltbox |
| Location | Lincoln, Massachusetts (Concord until 1754) |
| Address | North County Road |
| Coordinates | 42°27′14″N 71°17′36″W / 42.4538°N 71.2932°W |
| Construction started | 1732 |
| Completed | 1733 |
| Technical details | |
| Floor count | 3 (including the cellar) |
Hartwell Tavern, also called the Ephraim Hartwell House, is a historic place linked to the American Revolutionary War. It was part of the very first battles of the war, the 1775 battles of Lexington and Concord. You can find it on North County Road in Lincoln, Massachusetts, near Battle Road.
Today, the National Park Service runs it as a historic house museum. It's part of the Minute Man National Historical Park. The building was built in 1733, when this area was still part of Concord. During certain times of the year, park rangers in old-fashioned clothes work there. They offer daily programs to teach visitors about its history. The building itself is built in a style called a saltbox.
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History of Hartwell Tavern
The Hartwell Tavern was first built in 1733. It was a home for Ephraim Hartwell (1707–1793) and his new wife, Elizabeth (1714–1808). Ephraim's father, Samuel, gave them the house. Samuel lived nearby in what is now called the Samuel Hartwell House.
From Home to Inn: The Hartwell Family's Life
The Hartwells had a large family. By 1756, they had nine children living in the house! Because of this, Ephraim decided to open his home as an inn. He got a license to run it as a public house. The family ran the inn until the 1780s.
When Ephraim's father, Samuel, passed away in 1744, Ephraim inherited part of the family farm. By 1749, their farm was one of the busiest in Concord. It covered 141 acres of land.
The property was part of Concord until 1754. That year, the town of Lincoln was officially created.
Later, in 1769, Ephraim's son, Samuel, married Mary Flint. Ephraim then gave his son the house that Samuel's grandfather used to own.
Ephraim Hartwell died in 1793 when he was 86 years old. His wife, Elizabeth, lived for another fifteen years, passing away in 1808 at age 94. Their son, John, then took over the tavern.
The Hartwell Tavern remained a family home for many years. The National Park Service bought it in 1967. Over time, the building had been changed and updated.
Restoring the Tavern's Past
In the 1980s, the Park Service worked to restore the tavern. They wanted it to look just like it did in 1775. However, they kept some parts that were added later, in 1783 and 1830.
Most of the original building from 1733 is still there. This includes the main structure, the foundation, most of the walls, and some of the floors. Experts believe that about 65% of the original building remains today.
The actual sign that hung outside the tavern is now on display. You can see it at Buckman Tavern in Lexington.
Hartwell Tavern and the Revolutionary War
The battles of Lexington and Concord began very early on April 19, 1775. British soldiers marched right past the Hartwell Tavern. They were going to Concord and then came back past it on their way to Boston.
Hartwell Family's Role in the Battles
Three of the Hartwell children were involved in the fighting. Samuel, John, and Isaac were all part of the Lincoln minutemen. Minutemen were local soldiers ready to fight at a moment's notice. These three brothers fought at Old North Bridge and along the battle road. All three of them later served in the larger American Revolutionary War.
The Midnight Ride and a Warning
On the night of April 18, 1775, Paul Revere and William Dawes were on their famous "Midnight Ride." They were riding to Concord to warn people about the British soldiers. A British patrol stopped them near the Hartwell Tavern.
Another rider, Samuel Prescott, was with them. He managed to escape by jumping his horse over a wall. Prescott rode through the woods and arrived at the Hartwell Tavern. He woke up Ephraim Hartwell and told him that the British soldiers were coming.
Ephraim quickly sent his enslaved person, Violet, down the road. Violet went to warn Ephraim's son and his family. Ephraim's daughter-in-law, Mary, then passed the message to Captain William Smith. He was the leader of the Lincoln minutemen. Captain Smith lived a little further west, and his home, the Captain William Smith House, is still standing today.
Thanks to these warnings, the minutemen got the message in time. They were able to reach Old North Bridge before the British soldiers arrived. Samuel Prescott also made it safely to Concord.
Gallery
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The Hartwell Tavern in the 1960s
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Another view of the south-facing façade
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The tavern's sign
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The reverse of the sign
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A replica of the original sign is used on the trail in front of the tavern
