War and Peace on Battle Road

Autumn colors attract many visitors to New England and other parts of the northeastern United States. While enjoying the seasonal changes in temperature and foliage, there are many early American historical sites to explore.

"Colorful autumn leaves at Minuteman National Park"

Fall colors at Minuteman National Park

Some of the most important are at Lexington and Concord in Massachusetts, where the first battles of the Revolutionary War took place on April 19, 1775, including on the Battle Road Trail.

"Battle Road Trail at Minuteman National Park in the fall"

Battle Road Trail

The Battle Road Trail in Minute Man National Historic Park runs for 5.5 miles from Lexington to Meriam’s Corner in Concord. The trail winds through wooded areas and fields following the path of British soldiers and colonial militia. On the mid-October day I walked the trail, it was so peaceful and quiet that it was hard to imagine the bloody fighting that took place there long ago.

"Autumn leaves on trees alon Battle Road Trail at Minuteman National Park"

Battle Road Trail

This stone marks the nearby burial place of British soldiers killed in battle on April 19th, 1775.

"British Soldiers Marker at Minuteman National Park"

British Soldiers Marker

The first skirmish took place of April 19, 1775, was on what is known as Lexington Battle Green. First Parish Unitarian Universalist Church now stands on the site where the bodies of the dead soldiers were brought after the battle. The current building was constructed in 1847.

"First Parish Church in Lexington, Massachusetts"

First Parish Church

Across from the Green is Buckman Tavern, where members of the Lexington militia waited for the British army.

"Buckman Tavern in Lexington, Massachusetts"

Buckman Tavern

Along the way, there are many historic markers such as the site where Paul Revere’s famous midnight ride to Concord and Lexington ended when he was captured by British troops, and structures like Hartwell Tavern were standing at the time.

For more information about Battle Road Trail, museums, visitor centers, events and tours: Minute Man National Historic Park

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42 thoughts on “War and Peace on Battle Road

  1. Leigh

    Very nice selection of photos – and so hard to believe anything horrible happened in this area when the paths look so inviting and peaceful now.
    That’s a very pretty looking church and just what one would expect to see in New England.

  2. Jim

    A colourful moment in history so well illustrated with colourful photos Cathy.
    BTW Cathy, this Monday’s Magnificent Monday theme is “Spring and Autumn Collection” and this would be so perfect for linking in.

  3. John Wilson

    How a scene takes away from the history – and how soon we have forgotten.
    Nice, peaceful yet here is where our freedoms come from – the men and women who risked everything so America could be free.
    Not talked about that much – less we get into the “not politically correct” diatribe that is so familiar these days.
    To remember the battles, the cause for which these people died, is our legacy – a shame the causes and freedoms are set aside for a more acceptable article for mainstream.
    Sorry sweeney, do not mean to take away from your post or great pics – I just miss Americans talking about the legacy of our founding fathers, and why they did what they did.
    The folks who died in this area so future generations cold pursue freedom would be appalled looking at America today. A shame that most Americans do not see that.
    Great pics of the fall colors.
    Cheers,
    John D. Wilson

    1. Cathy Post author

      John, thank you for your comment. All the while I walked that trail, I thought about the importance of this place in the founding of our country. I am also a proud American who appreciates the history of our country and the sacrifices made by our ancestors. I’m not afraid of saying that here or at any time.

      This post was really intended to focus on the beauty of the area and season, but I didn’t want to ignore the historical significance. I also hoped that others may be inspired to visit Lexington and Concord and learn more of our country’s history and see more of its beauty.

      1. John Wilson

        As a stated, I did not want the comment to take away for you post.
        Nor did I mean to imply that you were not a proud American who appreciated her past.
        The scenery, this time of year, in that area is great – no doubts.
        Maybe I am just being a grumpy old man this morning.
        Cheers,
        John D. Wilson

        1. Cathy Post author

          I totally understand, John. I appreciate the time you took to read my post and make such a thoughtful comment. Glad you liked the pics!

  4. Nancie

    Lovely shots Cathy. It’s been a long time since I’ve visited the New England States. They are beautiful and historic. The fall colors are pretty much the same in Nova Scotia (and I haven’t seen them for a long time either!)

  5. Lisa

    I love that New England church shot with the fall leaves. Nice shot. Visiting the historical battle sites can be fun. I visited two when I was in the New England area.

  6. Technosyncratic Travel Blog

    We spent last fall in New England and truly fell in love with the area. There’s so much beauty and history and richness there. I can’t wait to go back.

  7. Angela

    Very interesting post, knowing the history of the places we visit gives much more value to our travels. Great photos, although autumn reminds me that my favorite season is over, I admit that its colors are possibly the most romantic of the year 🙂

  8. Debbie Beardsley @ European Travelista

    I am sad to say I have never made it east to see the fall foliage 🙁 I now know one of the places I will visit when I make it! Gorgeous pictures, loved them all.

  9. Jenna

    What a beautiful area! And there is nothing like gorgeous fall colors… I lived in Connecticut as a child and remember views like those. Nice that you got to enjoy such beauty while walking in a place with such historical significance.

  10. Fida

    What a great way to enjoy autumn colours and learn about the history at the same time. Love the way you connected both. I miss Ontario’s bursting fall colours. We do have a wonderfull fall here in BC as well, but there’s no comparison to the burning woods back east!

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