Community Corner

Patriots' Day Events at Minute Man National Historic Park

Running battles and reenactments all weekend long as Patriots' Day approaches.

Each year, thousands will flock to historic Lexington, Concord and Minute Man National Park to celebrate Patriots’ Day and commemorate the opening battle of the American Revolutionary War on April 19, 1775.

Minute Man National Park has many events on deck this weekend as Patriots Day is commemorated with running battles and reenactments. 

Here’s what is on tap at Minute Man National Historic Park April 19-21:

Find out what's happening in Bedfordwith free, real-time updates from Patch.

Saturday, April 19

Dawn Salute 6 a.m. - North Bridge, Concord. The Concord Minute Men and the Concord Independent Battery observe the opening battle of the American Revolution with a 21 gun musket and cannon salute.

From Dawn to Dead of Night – Captain David Brown's Company of Minute Men. North Bridge Concord from 8:30 a.m. to noon and Concord Museum from 12:30 - 5 p.m. Concord Museum will host an overnight encampment of Captain David Brown's Company of Minute Men on the museum's lawn in conjunction with the museum's special exhibition "The Shot Heard Round the World: April 19, 1775." The company will be also participate in events at North Bridge on April 19. See how companies of minute men were armed and trained with muskets.

Find out what's happening in Bedfordwith free, real-time updates from Patch.

Life on the Battle Road - Hartwell Tavern and Captain William Smith House, Lincoln 9:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Hartwell Tavern and the Captain William Smith House will be open. Park staff will be joined by living history volunteers from the Lincoln Minute Men (until 1:30 p.m.) and other local organizations. (Hartwell Tavern will also be open April 20 and 21)

Arrival of the Sudbury Militia - North Bridge, Concord at approximately 11:30 a.m. The Sudbury Companies of Militia and Minute will make their annual march to North Bridge from the Town of Sudbury, in honor of their fellow townsmen who made a similar march on April 19, 1775. They will fire three musket volleys from North Bridge as a soldierly salute.

Sunday, April 20th

Warlike Preparations at the Barrett Farm - At Colonel James Barrett House, Barrett's Mill Road, Concord 1-4 p.m. In 1775, Colonel James Barrett of Concord was responsible for safeguarding all the military supplies in town and his house was searched by British soldiers during their mission to Concord. Visit the Barrett House and learn about the intense military preparations that helped launch America into the Revolutionary War.

Monday, April 21st

Lexington Battle Reenactment - Lexington Green at 5:30 a.m. The Town of Lexington celebrates the first shots of the American Revolution with a reenactment of the early-morning engagement between the town's militia and the British regulars. View all Lexington Patriots Day events here. 

Commemoration of the North Bridge Fight and Concord Parade North Bridge, Concord - 8:45 a.m. British reenactors will be joined by the Acton Minutemen and other local companies for a special commemoration of the North Bridge Fight featuring musket volleys. The Concord Parade will arrive at North Bridge around 9:30 a.m. NOTE: All of the roads in the center of town are closed to vehicles beginning at 8:30 a.m.

3rd U.S. Infantry, "The Old Guard" - North Bridge, Concord from 1-2 p.m. The 3d U.S. Infantry, traditionally known as "The Old Guard," is the oldest active-duty infantry unit in the U.S. Army, serving our nation since 1784. The Old Guard is the Army's official ceremonial unit and escort to the president, and it also provides security for Washington, D.C. in time of national emergency or civil disturbance. Visit with these American Heroes and watch them perform real 18th Century battle tactics and musket firing as well as fife and drum music.

Admission to all events is free except where noted. For more information call (978) 318 - 7825 or visit www.nps.gov/mima. Additional information is available at www.battleroad.org.


Get more local news delivered straight to your inbox. Sign up for free Patch newsletters and alerts.

We’ve removed the ability to reply as we work to make improvements. Learn more here