The beautiful Merrimack Valley comprises several towns and municipalities, each with their own unique micro-culture and community. And they all have something of their own to offer to residents and visitors alike who visit the greater Merrimack Valley area.
Today, we will focus on the Town of Bedford which is located 15 miles northwest of Boston and is situated in the southern part of the Greater Merrimack Valley region. It was settled by Europeans around 1640. This suburban community was incorporated on September 23, 1729 from a portion of Concord, Billerica, and then later a small portion of Lexington.
It is assumed that the name Bedford was derived from the town’s first minister who was originally from Bedfordshire, England.
Visit Revolutionary War History
Bedford, Massachusetts is adjacent to Lexington and Concord and shares an important place in Revolutionary War History and the events of April 19, 1775. Minutemen gathered at the historic Fitch Tavern in Bedford before proceeding to battle in Concord. The original Bedford flag, currently housed in the Bedford public library, is the oldest known flag in the United States and was carried in the famous battle at the North Bridge in Concord.
Bedford’s town center is home to an attractive historic district with well-preserved colonial houses, a town common, as well as a vibrant commercial district with many shops and restaurants.
Colonial Pole Clapping
In April each year in Wilson Park, Minutemen from around the region re-enact the “Pole Capping”, a practice from Colonial America showing dissatisfaction with the English government. You can learn more about pole capping and the entire event here.
The Minuteman Bikeway
Celebrating the railroad history of the area, the historic Bedford Deport Park at the terminus of the popular Minuteman Bikeway features a restored vintage passenger car, and a preserved Railroad Station and Freight House.
More About Bedford
Here are some quick facts we’ve compiled about Bedford:
- Incorporated in: 1729
- Population: 13,320
- Total Area: 13.87 sq. miles
- Land Area: 13.74 sq. miles
- Density: 946 per sq. mile
- Median Household Income: $87,962.00
- Median Household Size: 2.6
