One of the highlights of our adventure this summer was our trip to Concord, MA in the rental car. Not only was the countryside beautiful, but the historical information was fascinating and extremely informative. We were following the trail of the first shot fired of the Revolutionary War on April 19, 1775.
We started out at the Minute Man National Park visitor center. Besides some interesting exhibits, there was an extremely terrific film on the events of  April 19, 1775. Click here for the Minute Man National Park website that contains some historic content, plus pictures. I won’t retell the fascinating story, but if you follow the links, you will pick up quite a bit of detail.

The Battle Road from Hartwell Tavern toward Lexington

The Battle Road leading into Hartwell Tavern

Hartwell Tavern – click here to read the significance of this restored building

During the summer months, rangers in period dress answer questions about Harwell Tavern and the first battle of the revolutionary war. They also talk about the life of people in 1775.

The picture below is from an alcove off the kitchen and shows some of the equipment used in doing laundry in 1775. How would you like to do laundry for a family of nine children using these implements? You wouldn’t need a gym membership.
One of the rangers gave an extremely interesting talk about the history of the tavern and of the family that lived there. Two of the rangers in period dress then demonstrated how a musket is fired.
The rangers were quite willing to answer any question. In this picture the ranger is explaining to Robert that in the 1700’s, there were many less trees, as the trees had been cut for homes and for farmland. Because of this the minute men had a much greater view of the British.
All of the fields were separated by stone fences.
We drove into Concord for the next phase of the adventure. This is an adorable town, filled with lovely, well-maintained historic homes. I could have spent a lot more time exploring Concord. We had lunch at the Colonial Inn, which has been a dining establishment since 1716 and an inn since 1889.

After lunch, we headed to the Old North Bridge, site of either the first or second shot of the American Revolution – depending on who is telling the story. Whether the first or second shot, it is diffinitively the site of the “shot heard round the world.” The area around the Old North Bridge is extremely scenic and peaceful. It’s hard to visualize this pastoral scene as the start of the American Revolution. To learn more about the Old North Bridge, click here.
The restored Old North Bridge….this is where 90-95 British light infantry soldiers gathered at the near end of the bridge.
On this hill on the other side of the Old North Bridge stood 400 minute men and other militia waiting to make sure the British regulars caused no harm to their village.
The statue of the minute man
Here is the plaque commenorating the event on April 19, 1775.
We drove around the adorable town of Concord. There were many interesting homes open for tours, but sadly we had run out of time. However, we did see the front of Ralph Waldo Emerson’s home.

I was especially pleased to find the home of Lousisa May Alcott, author of my favorite childhood novels.

As we were driving out of town, we saw a sign to Waldon Pond….I mean this became an instant “must see”! Waldon Pond was indeed beautiful, but it was a shock in several ways. First, it was huge, what I’d consider a lake. Second, it was a wildly popular local swimming hole and beach. People were streaming in to take a dip or lounge on the bank. However I did walk a bit down a trail and found a lovely, tranquil shot of my idea of Waldon Pond.
The park built a replica of the humble cabin of Henry David Thoreau.
Inside the cabin is a replica of the minimalist lifestyle of Henry David Thoreau.
The park also erected a statue of Henry David Thoreau
I’d love to go back to the Concord area and explore some more. You never know.