Arlington, Massachusetts, a town steeped in history and natural beauty, is also a vibrant center for arts, culture, and dining. Birthplace of Uncle Sam, the town boasts a legacy of heroes, from Revolutionary War Patriots like David Lamson to abolitionist Prince Hall. From its historic landmarks to its contemporary art scene, Arlington offers a rich tapestry of experiences for residents and visitors alike. 

Arlington’s history is deeply intertwined with the American Revolution. History has highlighted the Battles of Lexington and Concord, but a third battle occurred on the fateful day of April 19, 1775, – the Battle of Menotomy. Two hundred and fifty years ago Menotomy was a crossroads village of about 400 farmers, millers, tavern keepers, and their families. On the morning of April 19, news spread that an armed conflict had erupted between His Majesty’s troops and the people of the Commonwealth. By that afternoon, nearly 3,800 militiamen and minutemen from surrounding towns had arrived in Menotomy (present-day Arlington) to confront the retreating British Regulars as they made their way back towards Boston. The site of some of the fiercest fighting that day still stands: the Jason Russell House, which serves as a testament to this pivotal moment in American history. Today, the Jason Russell House, still bearing scars from the fight, is at the heart of the Arlington Historical Society’s regional history museum, offering guided tours and engaging exhibits that highlight the lasting impacts of the American Revolution and Arlington’s broader history (Arlington Historical Society, ArlingtonHistorical.org). 

Courtesy of Cyrus Dallin Art Museum

In addition to its Revolutionary War history, Arlington is also home to the Cyrus Dallin Museum, dedicated to the life and work of the renowned Utah-born sculptor, educator, and Indigenous rights advocate who lived and worked in Arlington for over forty years. The museum showcases Dallin’s impressive collection of sculptures, including his iconic equestrian statue of Paul Revere. Cyrus Dallin’s many public sculptures commemorating historical events, Indigenous peoples, and Euro-American figures bring beauty and a unique historical perspective to shared spaces across the nation, including Boston, Chicago, Philadelphia, Salt Lake City, and Kansas City (Cyrus Dallin Museum, Dallin.org).

Since the 1800s, Arlington has also been home to the Old Schwamb Mill which is located on the oldest continuously operating mill site in the United States. It is the rare survivor of the small, family-owned mills that helped define New England. The Mill’s unique 19th century elliptical lathes, its original belt-driven shaft-and-pulley machinery, and the original hand-turning process are used to this day to create custom-made oval and circular frames for customers around the world (Old Schwamb Mill, OldSchwambMill.org).

We invite you to explore the town by walking or cycling along the Minuteman Bikeway, an award-winning 10-mile rail trail that starts at the MBTA’s Alewife Station and runs through the centers of Arlington, Lexington, and Bedford. This beautiful path which follows the former Lexington Branch Railway is a unique way to tour the town. 

Located between Cambridge and Lexington, Arlington offers a thriving arts scene, boutique galleries, independent theaters, diverse dining, public art by internationally renowned artists, and access to the Minuteman Bikeway, all within its five square miles. This blend of history, natural beauty, and vibrant arts makes Arlington a destination for art lovers, history buffs, foodies, and cyclists.

This article made possible with the support of the Town of Arlington