Lexington Attractions

The first battles of the American Revolutionary War are reenacted each year on the day of its anniversary in April. Activities include drill and musket firing demonstrations, cooking, clothing repair and recruiting for the colonial militia as well as life in the British Camp and a Battle Road tactics and weapons demonstration.

Patriot leaders Samuel Adams and John Hancock were visiting with Reverend Jonas Clarke at this house when both Paul Revere and William Dawes stopped to warn them of the British advance toward Lexington. The house contains period furniture belonging to the original inhabitants, the Clarke family and before them, Reverend John Hancock, grandfather of the original signer of the Declaration of Independence.

On the afternoon of April 19th, 1775 Brigadier General Earl Percy took over Munroe Tavern during the British troops' retreat from the American Colonial Army. The dining room became a field hospital for the wounded as Percy and his reinforcements planned their next moves.

Munroe Tavern was built in the early 1690's and contains period artifacts and furniture belonging to the tavern's namesake, William Munroe, an orderly sergeant in Captain Parker's minuteman company.

The Museum of Our National Heritage in Lexington houses regularly changing exhibits about American history and culture. The displays highlight people who have worked, struggled and achieved patriotism, adventure, invention, and community. The collection at the Museum of Our National Heritage features the history of American Freemasonry and fraternalism.

The Old Burying Ground in Lexington contains the graves of Minuteman leader, Captain John Parker, Governor William Eustis and Reverend John Hancock, grandfather of the first signer of the Declaration of Independence. It is found past the Green next to the Unitarian Church.

The Revolutionary War Monument, honoring the eight militiamen who died on the Lexington Battle Green, was dedicated on July 4th, 1799. It is reputedly the first monument in the country commemorating the American Revolution. It is located on "School-house Hill" on the Common.