Lexington
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General Information
Other Name: -, District: Massachusetts, State: New England, United States of America
Area: 16.5 sq mi
Languages Spoken: English
Long Distance Code: -
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Best Time to Visit: April to June and -
International Access: -Description
Lexington is a town in Middlesex County, Massachusetts, United States.Lexington is probably most well-known for its history and is home to many historical buildings, parks, and monuments, most dating from Colonial and Revolutionary times.One of the most prominent historical landmarks, located in Lexington Centre, is the Common, or as it later became known, the Battle Green, where the battle was fought, and the Minuteman Statue in front of it.Lexington is also home to the 900-acre Minute Man National Historical Park and the National Heritage Museum, which showcases exhibits on American history and popular culture.Location
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The entire battle, including the British retreat, is re-enacted every Patriot''s Day in April with period clothes and weaponry. It was early in the morning on April 19, 1775 when Paul Revere began his famous ride. By dawn, British soldiers were advancing on Concord, where they believed colonists had stored a cache of weapons and where they intended to arrest several leading revolutionists, including Sam Adams. But the British were welcomed with shots that were later heard around the world.
Patriot leaders Samuel Adams and John Hancock were visiting with Reverend Jonas Clarke at this house when both Paul Revere and William Dawes stopped to warn them of the British advance toward Lexington. The house contains period furniture belonging to the original inhabitants, the Clarke family and before them, Reverend John Hancock, grandfather of the original signer of the Declaration of Independence.
The Museum of Our National Heritage in Lexington houses regularly changing exhibits about American history and culture. The displays highlight the people who have worked, struggled and achieved patriotism, adventure, invention, and community. The collection at the Museum of Our National Heritage features the history of American Freemasonry and fraternalism.
Located on the edge of Lexington Battle Green, the site of the first battle in the Revolutionary War, the Minuteman Statue depicts Captain John Parker, leader of the Lexington Minutemen. It was created by noted sculptor Henry Hudson Kitson and bequeathed by Francis B. Hayes.
Munroe Tavern was built in the early 1690''s and contains period artifacts and furniture belonging to the tavern''s namesake, William Munroe, an orderly sergeant in Captain Parker''s minuteman company.