Isaac Davis Trail facts for kids
Quick facts for kids |
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Isaac Davis Trail
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Acton Minutemen and citizens marching to Concord, 16 April 2012
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 Location in Massachusetts
Location in the United States
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| Location | Concord, Massachusetts & Acton, Massachusetts |
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| Built | 1775 |
| Architect | Isaac Davis & Minutemen |
| NRHP reference No. | 72001347 |
| Added to NRHP | April 11, 1972 |
The Isaac Davis Trail, also called the Acton Trail, is a special historic path about 6 miles (9.7 km) long. It stretches between the towns of Acton and Concord, Massachusetts. This trail became famous in 1775 during the start of the American Revolutionary War. Captain Isaac Davis and his brave Acton Minutemen used this very path to march to Concord. They were heading to fight in the battles of Lexington and Concord. Because of its important history, the trail was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1972.
The Historic Path
The Isaac Davis Trail starts at Isaac Davis's house in Acton. It ends at the western side of the North Bridge in the Minuteman National Historical Park in Concord. Today, most of the trail follows paved roads. Some parts of the road might not be exactly where the original path was.
Walking the Trail Today
Even though it's now mostly roads, the trail still feels like it did long ago. You'll see stone walls lining the roads. Houses are often set back from the street, just like they might have been in 1775.
Trail Sections
The trail first goes northeast for about 1.25 miles (2 km). It follows roads like Hayward Road, Musket Drive, Minuteman Road, Woodbury Lane, and Main Street. Then, it turns more directly east for about 1.5 miles (2.4 km). This part goes through private land, but there's a special path for the public. This section leads to Strawberry Hill Road.
The trail then follows Strawberry Hill Road south for about 1.75 miles (2.8 km). It reaches Barrett's Mill Road, which goes east for about 0.75 miles (1.2 km). This road connects to Lowell Road in Concord. Finally, the trail crosses Lowell Road, follows Barnes Hill Road, and crosses Liberty Road. It ends at the Muster Field, which is a field above the North Bridge.
Annual Events
Each year, a special event called the Isaac Davis Trail March takes place. This march is held on Patriots' Day. People walk the trail to remember the brave Minutemen and their historic journey.
