“I have this feeling that I belong somewhere on the timeline of what took place on April 19th, 1775,” said Steve Crosby. “I grew up in Acton, watching the Minutemen march by my house every year. As a boy, I would walk behind them as the townspeople still do. And now I have the honor of leading this column! It’s such a special feeling to be a part of the mechanism that remembers and honors these brave souls. It fills me with a bright light to walk along the Isaac Davis trail from his house in Acton to the old North Bridge in Concord to lead one of the most important battles in our nation’s history.”
Each year, thousands of people come from all around the globe to celebrate the events that gave birth to a new nation. The battles of Lexington and Concord are synonymous with freedom, liberty, and rebellion. The amazing reenactors, park rangers, tour guides, and museum docents in and around our community are all here to help and guide you as you experience the energy and excitement of the events leading up to that fateful day - April 19, 1775.
This year, for the 245th Anniversary of the “Shot Heard ‘Round the World,” there are many events planned in and around Concord during Patriots’ Day weekend. Here are a few favorites you won’t want to miss:
Saturday, April 18th
9:30AM to 12PM at the Hartwell Tavern and Captain William Smith House along the Battle Road – reenactors share the harrowing tale of fleeing civilian refugees. The sight of hundreds of British Regulars sent many of the town residents into a panic. If you had to leave your home in a hurry, uncertain of your return, what would you take with you? Learn about these locals who struggled to save their homes and their families from the oncoming war headed their way.
12:45PM – Parker’s Revenge Battle Demonstration – this is one of the most popular events of the weekend, so leave plenty of time. Captain Parker seeks revenge for the militiamen killed in Lexington earlier that day, and he shall have it! Witness hundreds of reenactors, civilian evacuations, musket firing, and fast-paced battle action along the actual Battle Road of 1775!
4PM – Tower Park Battle (Massachusetts Ave., by Pelham Rd.) – follow the British Regulars’ retreat as they fight the Colonial militia and Minutemen! The crowd gathers along the stone wall, which commands an incredible view of the battle as it unfolds.
“In my opinion, this is the best battle,” said seasoned reenactor Steve Crosby (who plays Isaac Davis, the leader of the Acton Minutemen at the North Bridge). “It is truly EPIC. We get to play on the actual field – the battle swept through this actual area!”
7:45PM – The Patriot Vigil and Candlelight Procession – this beautiful ceremony honors the lives of all who were lost that fateful day. Anyone who would like to participate is welcome – but no flashlights or LEDs. Candle lanterns only, please, out of respect for this hallowed ground. The lantern procession will leave from the North Bridge visitors’ center and walk down to the North Bridge, where poetry, music, and historic remarks will take place before a reading of the names of colonists and Regulars who perished on April 19th will be read aloud. This park staff favorite is the brainchild of Ranger Jim Hollister and has quickly become a cherished tradition and a beautiful way to pay respects to the fallen.
Historical Reeanctors at the Bridge
|Sunday, April 19th
6AM – as part of a ceremony dating back to the late 18th century/early 19th century, the Concord Minutemen and the Concord Independent Battery gather to honor the opening battle of the American Revolution with a 21-gun salute with musket and cannon fire.
1PM to 4PM – Warlike Preparations! – children and adults alike will help bring history alive at the Colonel James Barrett House, 448 Barrett’s Mill Road, as they help to hide military supplies as the British Regulars appear on the horizon. The soldiers march right into the house and search everyone and everything to uncover the hidden supplies!
“Last year, I had all the kids hide the supplies, just as was done in 1775,” said Ranger Jim Hollister, Education and Living History Coordinator, Historic Weapons Supervisor at the National Park Service. “When the event was over, we put everything back in the house – the next day I realized that there was a box of candles missing….so I went back to the house and looked everywhere! The brilliant kid who had hidden it in the old barn foundation had covered it with dirt and leaves and it was the ONLY thing the British didn’t find that day. It’s a good thing that kid was on our side!!”
Marching to Concord
|Monday, April 20th
5:30AM – Lexington Battle Reenactment – as the British Regulars enter the town of Lexington, they find a militia formed up on the town green. The goal of the militia is not to engage the troops, but to show defiance to the Crown. The British officers are indignant at their risky move and order them to lay down their arms and disperse. Most men do. Some do not hear the order and stand fast. Suddenly a shot rings out (nobody knows who shot first), discipline breaks down, and more shots are fired at the fleeing citizens. When the smoke clears, eight militiamen are found shot dead, several more are wounded. This sparks outrage as the column marches on to Concord. But fear not! Captain Parker will have his revenge!
8:45AM – Commemoration of the North Bridge Fight and Concord Parade – just hours after the tragedy on Lexington Green, the Regulars enter Concord. One detachment heads to secure the North Bridge, where a combination of Minutemen and militia forces from Concord and many surrounding towns are waiting on the far side. Smoke rises from the center of Concord, leading the locals to believe the Regulars are burning down the town. The order comes to load their muskets. The men advance towards the Bridge, led by Isaac Davis of the Acton Minutemen, to the astonishment of the British Regulars. Tired and hungry from the long overnight march, the Regulars retreat off the bridge and form into firing positions. As the colonists advance, the Regulars fire and kill Isaac Davis, making him the first commissioned officer to die for what would become the United States. The order is then given to the Minutemen and militia: “Fire, fellow soldiers, for God’s sake fire!” And thus begins the American Revolution.
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National Park Service staff will be on hand to help guide you to parking, but please plan well ahead for these enormously popular events.
Dress in layers, wear comfortable shoes, and bring water. Restrooms are available, but could be spaced far apart.
Please stay behind the rope lines. While all reenactors are firing blanks, it is still dangerous to step into an active reenactment site. If park staff see a person cross the ropes, they will stop the entire scene to keep people safe. Please respect the hard work that goes into preparing these events, and abide by the rules.
Muskets and cannon fire are loud. Those with sensitive hearing and small children may be more comfortable watching from a distance. And while your trusted furry friend may THINK he wants to come along, many dogs are frightened by loud noises. They might be more comfortable at home.
The Patriot Vigil allows candle lanterns only. No flashlights or LED lighting please, out of respect for those who passed on this important day in our nation’s history.
For updates on events – including what to do in the event of inclement weather – visit the National Park Service website at www.nps.gov/mima/patriots-day.htm
