National Register of Historic Places listings in Lexington, Massachusetts facts for kids
Welcome to Lexington, Massachusetts! This town is famous for its important role in American history. Many buildings and places here are so special that they are listed on the National Register of Historic Places. This means they are protected because of their historical value. Let's explore some of these amazing spots!
Contents
- Historic Buildings in Lexington
- Buckman Tavern: A Meeting Place for Patriots
- Hancock-Clarke House: A Secret Hideaway
- Munroe Tavern: A British Headquarters
- Simonds Tavern: An Old Coaching Inn
- General Samuel Chandler House: A Home from the Past
- John Mason House: A Glimpse into the 19th Century
- Warren E. Sherburne House: A Victorian Gem
- Important Public Buildings
- Historic Churches and Businesses
- Historic Districts: Whole Neighborhoods with History
- Lexington Green: Where History Began
Historic Buildings in Lexington
Lexington has many old buildings that tell stories about the past. These places help us understand what life was like long ago and why they are important to American history.
Buckman Tavern: A Meeting Place for Patriots
The Buckman Tavern is a very famous building in Lexington. It was built around 1710. Before the Revolutionary War began, local soldiers called "minutemen" would meet here. On April 19, 1775, these minutemen gathered at the tavern before the Battle of Lexington. This battle was one of the first fights of the Revolutionary War. The Buckman Tavern is now a museum where you can learn about this exciting time. It's located on Hancock Street, right by Lexington Green.
Hancock-Clarke House: A Secret Hideaway
The Hancock-Clarke House is another key historical spot. It was built in 1700. On the night before the Battle of Lexington, famous patriots Samuel Adams and John Hancock were staying here. They were warned by Paul Revere and William Dawes that British soldiers were coming. This warning helped them escape before the battle started. The house is now a museum, showing how people lived in the 1700s. You can find it at 36 Hancock Street.
Munroe Tavern: A British Headquarters
The Munroe Tavern was built in 1695. After the Battle of Lexington, British soldiers used this tavern as their headquarters and a hospital. It's interesting to see how different sides used the same buildings during the war. Today, it's also a museum, offering a look into the past. It is located at 1314 and 1332 Massachusetts Avenue.
Simonds Tavern: An Old Coaching Inn
The Simonds Tavern was built around 1770. It was once a popular stop for travelers. People would stop here to rest, eat, and change horses while traveling long distances. It gives us a peek into how people traveled and where they stayed in early America. You can find it at 331 Bedford Street.
General Samuel Chandler House: A Home from the Past
The General Samuel Chandler House was built in 1786. It is a great example of homes from that time period. It shows us the style of architecture and how families lived after the Revolutionary War. This house is located at 8 Goodwin Road.
John Mason House: A Glimpse into the 19th Century
The John Mason House was built in 1840. This home shows the changes in building styles that happened in the 19th century. It helps us understand how architecture evolved over time. It is located at 1303 Massachusetts Avenue.
Warren E. Sherburne House: A Victorian Gem
The Warren E. Sherburne House was built in 1888. This house is a beautiful example of Victorian-era architecture. It features unique designs and details popular during that time. It is located at 11 Percy Road.
Important Public Buildings
Lexington also has historic public buildings that served the community in different ways.
Franklin School: An Old Schoolhouse
The Franklin School was built in 1891. It served as a school for many years, educating generations of Lexington's children. It reminds us of how education has changed over time. It is located at 7 Stedman Road.
Hancock School: Another Historic School
The Hancock School was built in 1900. Like the Franklin School, it played an important role in the community's education. These old school buildings often have interesting architectural styles. It is located at 33 Forest Street.
US Post Office-Lexington Main: Sending Letters Through Time
The US Post Office-Lexington Main building was built in 1936. This building has been where people send and receive mail for many years. It shows how important communication has always been. It is located at 1661 Massachusetts Avenue.
Stone Building: A Community Hub
The Stone Building was built in 1847. It has served various community purposes over the years. Buildings like this often become central gathering places for towns. It is located at 735 Massachusetts Avenue.
Historic Churches and Businesses
Even churches and businesses can be historic!
Follen Community Church: A Place of Worship
The Follen Community Church was built in 1841. This church has been a place of worship and community gathering for over 180 years. Its architecture reflects the styles of the mid-19th century. It is located at 755 Massachusetts Avenue.
M.H. Merriam and Company: An Old Business
The M.H. Merriam and Company building was built in 1887. This building once housed a business, showing us what commercial buildings looked like in the late 1800s. It is located at 7–9 Oakland Street.
Historic Districts: Whole Neighborhoods with History
Sometimes, an entire area or neighborhood is considered historic because of its unique design or history. These are called historic districts.
Peacock Farm Historic District: Modern Homes from the Past
The Peacock Farm Historic District was recognized in 2012. This district is special because it features homes built in the mid-20th century, around the 1950s. These homes have a unique modern design for their time. It includes streets like Compton Circle, Mason Street, Peacock Farm Road, and Trotting Horse Drive.
Six Moon Hill Historic District: Another Mid-Century Gem
The Six Moon Hill Historic District was recognized in 2016. Like Peacock Farm, this area also features homes built in the mid-20th century with a modern architectural style. It shows how neighborhoods developed with new ideas about home design. It includes Bird Hill, Moon Hill Roads, and Swan Lane.
Metropolitan State Hospital: A Large Historic Area
The Metropolitan State Hospital area was recognized in 1994. This large property, which extends into nearby towns like Belmont and Waltham, was once a hospital complex. Its buildings and grounds tell a story about healthcare and institutional design from the past. It is located at 475 Trapelo Road.
Lexington Green: Where History Began
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The Lexington Green is perhaps the most famous historic place in Lexington. It's a large grassy area where the first shots of the American Revolutionary War were fired on April 19, 1775. This event is known as the Battle of Lexington. It's a very important symbol of American freedom and courage. You can find it at the intersection of Massachusetts and Hancock Streets.
These historic places in Lexington help us remember and learn about the important events and people who shaped American history. Visiting them is like taking a step back in time!
