A Fall Visit to Historic Lexington, Massachusetts
First famous as the site of the “shot heard round the world,” the charming town of Lexington, Massachusetts remains a historic favorite.
By Alyson Horrocks|Oct 29 2020|
Coffee By Design | Portland, Maine
Photo Credit : Katherine KeenanWith its roots as an unassuming colonial farming community, there was little that would have predicted the pivotal role Lexington, Massachusetts, would play in the start of our nation. Filled with industrial colonists who were deeply engaged in the growing tide toward independence from Great Britain, Lexington’s militia trained and prepared, as best it could, to be ready if battle proved necessary. On April 19, 1775, after receiving word that British Army regulars were on their way to seize the arms and ammunition of the rebels in Concord, militiamen gathered on Lexington’s town common in an effort to stop the advance. It was here that part one of the famous “shot heard round the world” rang out (the larger, more established part two followed later that same day at the Old North Bridge in Concord, Massachusetts), marking the moment that many consider to be the official start of the war for independence.
Photo Credit : Alyson Horrocks
Photo Credit : Alyson Horrocks
Photo Credit : Alyson Horrocks
Though less than 15 miles from Boston, Lexington has managed to retain the bucolic countryside that it has always been known for. History is revered here and every effort is made to preserve the charm of New England’s past. Many old taverns and historic properties can be toured, and with The Minute Man National Historical Park just down the road in Concord, the history of the colonial and revolutionary days is vividly brought to life.
Photo Credit : Alyson Horrocks
Photo Credit : Alyson Horrocks
Photo Credit : Alyson Horrocks
With history as one of its biggest draws, it only makes sense to check into one of Lexington’s gorgeous, historic properties when staying in town. During my last visit, I was a guest of The Inn at Hastings Park, a beautifully restored 19th-century property located within walking distance of Lexington’s main attractions.
Photo Credit : Courtesy of Inn at Hastings Park/Andy Ryan
Photo Credit : Alyson Horrocks
Photo Credit : Alyson Horrocks
The Inn at Hastings Park has been restored as an upscale, boutique hotel, and the environment and service are fabulous! A perfect way to experience old Lexington.
Photo Credit : Alyson Horrocks
Whether staying at the inn or not, a meal at Artistry on the Green, located inside The Inn at Hastings Park is a must! The ingredients are fresh and local, and everything is exquisitely presented! Dining there is truly an experience.
Photo Credit : Alyson Horrocks
Photo Credit : Courtesy of Inn at Hastings Park/Andy Ryan
If you’re on the move and need a quicker bite around town, I love dining at Mario’s Italian Restaurant. For filling, good comfort food, when not wanting to spend a lot of time on a meal, Mario’s has always been a winner for me. Also, while in town don’t forget to take advantage of the shopping downtown and stroll the streets to take in all the old New England architecture.
Photo Credit : Alyson Horrocks
Photo Credit : Alyson Horrocks
Photo Credit : Alyson Horrocks
With its meticulously preserved history in a charming pastoral setting, Lexington is a perfect destination for any history buff or those looking for a quiet getaway. Located only miles from the city, Lexington is an ideal addition to any Boston itinerary, and after visiting all the Revolutionary War sites of Boston, you’ll want to see this quiet, pretty town where the first shots were fired and history was made.
Have you ever visited historic Lexington, Massachusetts?
Special thanks to the Inn at Hastings Park for the invitation to visit Lexington. All opinions expressed are my own. This post was first published in 2017 and has been updated.
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Loved our visit to Lexington!
Never been but may have to visit one day.
“On April 19, 1775, after receiving word that British Army regulars were on their way to seize the arms and ammunitions of the rebels in Concord, militia men gathered on Lexington’s town common in an effort to stop the advance. It was here that the famous “shot heard round the world” rang out, marking the moment that many consider to be the official start of the war for independence.” – My understanding is that the “shot heard round the world” was actually fired at the Old North Bridge in Concord. In Lexington the colonists simply confronted the British troops, and were fired upon. It was in Concord that the militiamen themselves actually shot at the British, marking the first time that a people had fired on the soldiers of “their own” government – hence the “heard round the world” aspect. Ironically, that shot was the result of a misunderstanding. The British troops had created a bonfire in Concord’s town center to destroy the colonists’ gun carriages, but then doused the fire in order to prevent its sparks from setting the town ablaze. This produced a large amount of smoke which, from a distance, made it look as if they were actually burning Concord to the ground. The militiamen, who had retreated into the hills, came back down to the Old North Bridge, where they met the British soldiers and fired.
Having lived and graduated from high school in Lexington, it certainly is a beautiful place to visit. I now make my home in south central Pennsylvania and miss the beauty of Lexington.
Ralph Waldo Emerson just rolled over in his grave. The “shot heard round the world” was fired at the Old North Bridge in Concord, not on Lexington green, where the local militia failed to confront the British regulars when fired upon. There are contemporaneous accounts that clearly show there was no meaningful response from Americans at Lexington. The Revolutionary War started in Concord, MA. Granted, the battle was joined from Concord to Arlington, and back to Boston on Battle Road, but it did not begin in Lexington.
Lexington today has changed. I would bet people living there now could care less about it’s history.
I went to a Lexington/Arlington football game a few years ago. Arlington had a very good team, Lexington was on it’s to being very good, it was a beautiful Fall day. Back in the day game would’ve drawn a few thousand not today only about 300.
I grew up in Lawrence. My family would visit every other year or so & now a cousin lives there. I chaperoned 100 8th grade students, in the late 90’s, as part of their 8th grade trip. It was a joy to share all the history with them (also Concord & Walden Pond). I’m glad that others have corrected the initial text RE “the shot heard ‘round the world “. Brenda Stadler Canaris Chula Vista, CA