Concord, Massachusetts: History & Places To Visit
Founded in 1635, Concord, MA, is a historic town west of Boston. Located at the junction of the Concord/Sudbury/Assabet Rivers, the town was settled early by the English as a frontier outpost of the Massachusetts Bay Colony and was the first interior, non-tidal water town in Massachusetts. The community had been the site of seasonal Indian camps because of plentiful runs of shad, salmon, and herring.
Visit Massachusetts Colonial Houses
Concord retains many well-preserved colonial houses, nine of them on or near the Concord Green. In the historic Battle of Concord, which ushered in the Revolutionary War, a column of British infantry was badly mauled by colonists during a 16-mile running battle where 273 British and 95 American soldiers died.
Experience Iconic Literary History
Concord has significant literary history as well, having been the home to the leaders of the intellectual movements of 19th century America. Louisa May Alcott, Bronson Alcott, Ralph Waldo Emerson, and Nathanial Hawthorne all lived in Concord. Henry David Thoreau wrote his most famous book, “Walden” at Walden Pond in Concord.
Town Information & Things To Do
Today the town offers an eclectic mix of upscale shopping and dining, close access to routes 2 and 128, and is home to the well-regarded Emerson Hospital. The town offers residents the benefits of small-town living with easy access to major highways and a commuter rail station offering direct service to Boston several times each day. Its school system is ranked among the best in Massachusetts.
Patriot’s Day In Concord, MA
Concord’s most celebrated annual event is Patriots Day, a Massachusetts holiday honoring the beginning of the American Revolution, where the first shot was fired at North Bride and the battle along Battle Trail are re-enacted. These and other events take place at Minute Man National Park.
