Minute Man National Historical Park facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Minute Man National Historical Park |
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 Minute Man National Historical Park
Location in Massachusetts
Minute Man National Historical Park
Location in the United States
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| Location | Middlesex County, Massachusetts, US |
| Nearest city | Lexington, Massachusetts, US |
| Area | 967 acres (391 ha) |
| Established | September 21, 1959 |
| Visitors | 1,002,833 (in 2011) |
| Governing body | National Park Service |
| Website | Minute Man National Historical Park |
Minute Man National Historical Park is a special place that remembers the start of the American Revolutionary War. This war was when the American colonies fought for their freedom from Great Britain. The park also protects a historic home called The Wayside. This home was once lived in by three famous American writers.
The National Park Service takes care of this park. It covers about 970 acres (393 hectares) of land. You can find it in the towns of Lexington, Lincoln, and Concord in Massachusetts.
Exploring the Park's History
Minute Man National Historical Park has many important spots. Each one tells a part of the story of April 19, 1775. On that day, the first battles of the Revolutionary War took place.
The Old North Bridge: A Famous Battle
The Old North Bridge in Concord is a very important site. On April 19, 1775, the Battle of Concord began here. This was the second fight of the day. The first short battle happened earlier in Lexington.
The "Shot Heard Round the World"
A famous writer named Ralph Waldo Emerson wrote a poem in 1837. In it, he called the fight at North Bridge "the shot heard round the world." This means the battle was so important that its impact was felt everywhere. It marked the beginning of a big change for America.
Statues and Memorials
Near the bridge, you can see The Minute Man statue. It was created by Daniel Chester French in 1874. This statue honors the brave local soldiers. Across the bridge is the Obelisk Monument. Many believe this was the first memorial in the country for war heroes. Close by, you can also find the grave of two British soldiers who died at the bridge. The historic Old Manse house is also nearby.
The Battle Road Trail: Following the Fight
The "Battle Road Trail" is a five-mile (8 km) path. It connects Lexington and Concord. This trail shows you what the landscape looked like during the battles. Along this road, British soldiers and American militia fought in many small skirmishes.
Key Stops on the Trail
You can find a monument where Paul Revere was captured. This happened during his famous midnight ride to warn the colonists. The trail also includes the Captain William Smith House. Another stop is the Hartwell Tavern. This old inn and house from the 1700s has been restored. From May to October, you can watch "living history" programs here. People dress up and act out what life was like back then. The Battle Road Trail goes through fields and forests. You can access it from different parking areas.
The Wayside: Home to Famous Writers
The Wayside is a very special house. On April 19, 1775, Samuel Whitney, a local military leader, lived there. Later, it became home to several famous American authors.
A House of Stories
Amos Bronson Alcott and his daughter Louisa May Alcott lived here. They called the house "Hillside." Later, Nathaniel Hawthorne bought it and renamed it "Wayside." Another author, Margaret Sidney, also lived there. The Wayside was also part of the Underground Railroad. This was a secret network that helped enslaved people find freedom.
Barrett's Farm: A British Target
Barrett's Farm is about 1.5 miles west of North Bridge. It is the newest part of the park. Colonel James Barrett lived here. British soldiers crossed the North Bridge to search his farm. They thought weapons and ammunition were hidden there. A local group bought and restored the house and land. They gave it to the National Park Service in 2012.
Lexington Battle Green: The First Shots
Lexington Battle Green, also called Lexington Common, is where the first fight happened. This was on April 19, 1775. It is an important part of the park's story. However, the Town of Lexington owns and takes care of it. You can see the Captain Parker Statue by Henry Hudson Kitson on the Green.
Visiting the Park
The park has visitor centers to help you learn more. One is on a hill overlooking the North Bridge. Another is along Battle Road. The main visitor center on Route 2A/Battle Road shows a 25-minute film. It's called "Road to Revolution" and explains the events in Lexington and Concord. The North Bridge Visitor Center has a shorter film. It tells the story of how the fight at North Bridge began.
Images for kids
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Old North Bridge, Concord
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Memorial obelisk next to the North Bridge
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The Wayside, home to authors like Louisa May Alcott, Nathaniel Hawthorne, and Margaret Sidney
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Captain William Smith House, Lincoln
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Samuel Hartwell House, Lincoln, before it was destroyed by fire in the 1970s
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Battle Road
See Also
