Minute Man National Historical Park facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Minute Man National Historical Park |
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Hartwell Tavern, Lincoln, Massachusetts
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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, United States |
| Nearest city | Lexington, Massachusetts |
| 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 |
The Minute Man National Historical Park is a special place in Massachusetts. It remembers the very first battle 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 looks after this park. It covers about 970 acres (393 hectares) of land. You can find it near the towns of Lexington, Lincoln, and Concord.
Exploring the Park's Historic Sites
Minute Man National Historical Park has several important places to visit. These sites help us understand the start of the American Revolution. You can walk where history was made.
Concord's North Bridge: The Shot Heard Round the World
The North Bridge in Concord is a very famous spot. On April 19, 1775, something big happened here. Colonial commanders told their militia to fire back at British troops. This was the first time American colonists shot at British soldiers.
Two British soldiers were killed and eight were hurt in this fight. This battle happened after a short fight earlier that day in Lexington. The writer Ralph Waldo Emerson wrote a poem about it. He called the North Bridge fight "the shot heard round the world."
At the bridge, you can see The Minute Man statue. It was made by Daniel Chester French in 1874. This statue honors the brave colonial soldiers. Across the bridge is the Obelisk Monument. It is thought to be the first memorial for war casualties in the country. Nearby, you can also find the grave of the two British soldiers who died. The historic Old Manse house is also close by.
The Battle Road Trail: Following the Skirmishes
The "Battle Road Trail" is about five miles (8 km) long. It connects Lexington and Concord. This trail shows you what the land looked like during the battle. British troops and Colonial militia fought here in many small skirmishes.
Along the trail, you can find a monument. It marks the spot where Paul Revere was captured during his famous midnight ride. You can also visit the Hartwell Tavern. This is a restored 18th-century inn and house. Sometimes, you can see living history programs here. These programs show what life was like back then. The Battle Road Trail goes through fields and forests. You can get to it from different parking areas.
The Wayside: Home to Famous Authors
The Wayside is another important place in the park. It is a National Historic Landmark. On April 19, 1775, Samuel Whitney, a local muster-master, lived here.
Later, several famous American authors lived in this house. They include Amos Bronson Alcott and his daughter Louisa May Alcott. Nathaniel Hawthorne also lived here. The Alcotts called the house "Hillside." Hawthorne later renamed it "Wayside." This house 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 a newer part of the park. It is about 1.5 miles west of North Bridge. This farm belonged to Colonel James Barrett. British soldiers crossed North Bridge to search this farm. They thought weapons and ammunition were hidden there.
A group called Save Our Heritage bought and restored the house and land. They then gave it to the National Park Service in 2012.
Visitor Centers: Learning About the Revolution
The park has visitor centers to help you learn more. One is on a hill overlooking the North Bridge. Another is along the Battle Road.
The main visitor center is on Route 2A/Battle Road. It shows a 25-minute film called "Road to Revolution." This film gives a great introduction to the events in Lexington and Concord. The North Bridge Visitor Center has a shorter film. It explains what led to the fight at North Bridge.
Lexington Battle Green: The First Shots
Lexington Battle Green, also known as Lexington Common, is where the first fight happened on April 19, 1775. This green is part of the park's story. However, the Town of Lexington owns and takes care of it. You can also see the Captain Parker Statue here. It was made by Henry Hudson Kitson.
Image gallery
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Old North Bridge, Concord, Massachusetts in July 2005
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The Minute Man statue next to the North Bridge, by Daniel Chester French, 1874
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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
Images for kids
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Captain William Smith House, Lincoln
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Battle Road
