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Get Ready for MA250 in the Greater Merrimack Valley

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If you love history, celebrations of American independence, and Massachusetts, you’re in for a treat in 2025. MA250 is the state-wide celebration of the semiquincentennial anniversary of the beginning of the Revolutionary War. It commemorates the many battles, Patriots, and world-changing events that led to America’s independence from British rule. 

Enjoy parades, reenactments of the big historical events, untold stories, and more during the MA250 celebration. It’s a once-in-a-lifetime experience you won’t want to miss. Come to the Greater Merrimack Valley to discover the amazing historical landmarks that still stand today and discover how the towns of Lexington and Concord set the stage for rebellion and freedom.

Lexington and Concord’s Revolutionary History

The Greater Merrimack Valley towns of Lexington and Concord were deeply involved in the Revolutionary War. There had been much tension between the Colonists and the British in the years leading up to the Revolutionary War. In February 1775, Parliament had declared Massachusetts to be in a state of rebellion. Thus, in April 1775, the British went to Concord, intending to seize weapons and gunpowder stored by the colonists in an effort to prevent a rebellion. 

The British marched from Boston to Concord on the night of April 18, 1775, assuming that their attack would be a surprise and any rebellion would be quashed quickly. However, Paul Revere and other riders were able to warn the Minutemen of their arrival. Though outnumbered, the colonists defied the British soldiers, with battles taking place on April 19, 1775, in both Lexington and Concord. These were the first battles of the Revolutionary War, and they ended in victories for America and further determination to fight for their independence.

Lexington Landmarks to Visit for MA250

Hancock-Clarke House

During Paul Revere’s famous midnight ride, he galloped to Hancock-Clarke House, where fellow Patriots John Hancock and Samuel Adams were staying as guests of Reverend Jonas Clarke. He needed to warn them that the British Regulars were on their way so they had time to prepare for the battle and avoid being arrested.

The Old Belfry

The Old Belfry was on the Battle Green that fateful April morning, sounding the alarm to alert the Lexington militia of the British Redcoats’ arrival. While the Old Belfry has been rebuilt and moved a few times in the past 250 years, it still tolls every Patriots’ Day morning.

Lexington Battle Green

The Lexington Battle Green is where the first blood of the Revolutionary War was spilled, setting off the fight for American independence. On the morning of April 19, 1775, a short skirmish broke out. 77 militia faced an advanced column of 100 light infantry out of 850 British Regulars. Eight colonists lost their lives, ten were wounded and two British soldiers were injured. Samuel Adams spoke to John Hancock after the battle, stating, “What a glorious morning for America!”

Munroe Tavern

Built in 1735, Munroe Tavern was commandeered by the British Redcoat troops on their retreat back to Boston. Today it acts as a museum dedicated to that event; downstairs illustrates the British perspective, while upstairs, the story’s focus shifts to the tavern owner’s point of view as their home was taken over by enemy soldiers.

Concord Landmarks to Visit for MA250

Minute Man National Historical Park

Minute Man National Historical Park is home to the sites of Concord where one of the first armed conflicts of the American Revolution occurred. This includes the Battle Road Trail; a five-mile trail that follows the original remnants of the Battle Road where thousands of Colonial Militia and British Regulars fought their bloody engagement.

North Bridge

Situated in Minute Man National Historical Park, North Bridge is where the “shot heard ‘round the world” was fired on April 19, 1775. No one knows for certain which side fired the shot, but it became known as the signal that the Revolutionary War had truly begun.

From Paul Revere’s midnight ride warning his fellow Patriots that the British were coming to the shot heard ‘round the world, there is no shortage of history to celebrate during MA250. Visit the Greater Merrimack Valley in 2025 for an unforgettable experience.

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