Lexington and Concord were the sites of the first two skirmishes of the US War for Independence. In 1775, British troops from Boston set out for Concord to capture a weapons supply. Paul Revere and two other riders carried the news that the soldiers were on the move. They were met by revolutionaries at the village green in Lexington and beat back the local forces with no British casualties. But by the time they reached Concord, the Colonials were ready, and defeated the British regulars in the first real battle of the war, forcing them to retreat all the way back to Boston.
Minute Man National Historic Park memorializes the events of that day. We parked near Lexington and toured the visitor center and historic tavern on foot, then drove to Concord, unloaded the bikes, and spent a delightful afternoon touring the area, including the preserved homes of several famous American authors. We recommend this visit highly and fall is a great time to come.
Captain Parker Statue, the Lexington Minute Man 
Buckman Tavern, where revolutionaries planned; preserved by the local historical society. 
Diorama of the Lexington skirmish at the visitors’ center. 
Not sure where the headless bicyclist comes into play in all this, but he was entertaining. 
The Concord Minute Man statue, next to the North Bridge. 
Old North Bridge, where the first real battle began. 
The Manse, home of Ralph Waldo Emerson’s grandfather, a fiery revolutionary era preacher. 
Ralph Waldo Emerson’s house, getting fresh paint. 
The Wayside, childhood home of Louisa May Alcott. Emerson and Thoreau were visitors, and it was the final home of Nathaniel Hawthorne and later of Harriett Lothrop, author of Five Little Peppers. 
The Little Women House, adult home of Louisa May Alcott.
