A Day in Lexington

By Katie Johnson

It’s the perfect time to rediscover Lexington… Here in Massachusetts, we are lucky enough to live and work in an area rich in history and natural resources. It’s easy to take this for granted sometimes, and we forget how much there is to see and do right here in our own backyard.

But this summer, local attractions may have the advantage over more exotic places. The pandemic has turned tourism on its side, but at least one positive trend has emerged: the desire to seek enjoyment locally. So if you've postponed your European trip or canceled that tropical island getaway, fear not. Adventure awaits but one town away.

We invite you to travel east on the Battle Road through Minute Man National Historical Park to spend the day in Lexington Center. Grab a coffee and check out our brand new Visitors Center directly across from the iconic Minuteman Statue and Lexington Battle Green at 1875 Massachusetts Avenue. In keeping with social distancing and safety guidelines, we’ve created an outdoor, one-hour “Let it Begin Here” guided walking tour of the Battle Green. Travel back in time with your costumed guide to the morning of April 19, 1775, where “the first blood was spilt in the dispute with Great Britain,” as George Washington wrote in his diary. Eight Minutemen lost their lives and 10 were wounded. Two British soldiers were also injured. After the battle, Samuel Adams exclaimed to John Hancock, "What a glorious morning for America!".

On this one-hour walking tour of Lexington Battle Green, you'll explore the many notable sites surrounding this National Historic Landmark. It is considered consecrated ground, both for the blood shed on it and for the Minutemen who are interred here. Some highlights include:

• The iconic Henry H. Kitson Minuteman Statue

• The Revolutionary War Monument, a granite obelisk erected in 1799, where the remains of seven militiamen killed in the battle are buried

• Captain John Parker monument inscribed with: “Stand your ground. Don’t fire unless fired upon, but if they mean to have a war, let it begin here.”

• The Old Belfry, which sounded the alarm on April 19, 1775, calling the militia to the common

• The Old Burying Ground where Captain John Parker, ministers John Hancock and Jonas Clarke, and an unknown British soldier are buried

After your tour concludes, stop for lunch at one of several great family-friendly outdoor spots, and then stroll by the three witness houses in and around Lexington Center. They are: the Hancock-Clarke House, Paul Revere’s final destination; Buckman Tavern, the militia’s headquarters; and Munroe Tavern, used as a British field hospital on April 19, 1775.

To plan your day in Lexington, visit tourlexington.us for Visitors Center hours, tour schedules, or to purchase Battle Green tour tickets. Tickets can also be purchased in person at the Visitors Center, 1875 Massachusetts Avenue, Lexington. $15 for Adults; Children 5-12 $12; Children 5-under are free.

For historic house hours and info visit lexhistory.org, as hours may have changed due to COVID-19 concerns. Hope to see you this summer!

Katie Johnson oversees the Lexington Visitors Center, its tours, and its retail shoppe.