Concord, MA: History in a beautiful New England village.
Written: Jan 15 '00 (Updated Jan 15 '00)
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Product Rating:
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Pros: A lovely way to step back in time.
Cons: Incredibly packed with humanity during July, August...and "leaf season."
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| vickie's Full Review: Concord |
Concord is famous as the site of the battle that began the American Revolution and as the home of the most original thinkers and writers of the American literary renaissance. Located about 22 miles west of Boston, it can be easily combined with sightseeing in historic Lexington…all in the same day trip. You reach Concord by taking Rte 2 west from Boston, or by taking Bedford Street out of Lexington to Rte 62 and veering left in the village of Bedford (follow signs).
History:
On April 19, 1775 British soldiers marched into Concord to destroy arms and provisions which were stored there. This is the site of the first organized armed resistance to British rule and the location where the command was given to return British fire….the "shot heard round the world" and the beginning of the American Revolution.
Concord was home to Ralph Waldo Emerson, the Alcotts (Louisa May), Nathaniel Hawthorne and Henry Thoreau. During the 1850's Concord was a center of antislavery activity and a stop on the undergroiund railroad for slaves escaping to freedom.
Sites:
Shortly before entering Concord you will see a sign for the parking lot of the Old North Bridge battleground. I strongly suggest that you stop here for a few minutes. This is part of the Minute Man National Historic Park. No hype…no sleezy merch stands…but a short walk to a quiet little river, a wooden bridge, a couple of pastures and a bone chilling, quiet realization that men lost their lives here so that we could enjoy the lives that we have today. Sounds corny but you really feel it here. There are explanatory plaques along the way, an 1836 stone obelisk, and a statue of a Minute Man. Across a field from the Old North Bridge is the Old Manse, once owned by the grandfather of Ralph Waldo Emerson. The house has been home to his grandson as well as Nathaniel Hawthorne.
The historic center of town is called monument square and deserves some exploration. Historic Hill Burying Ground contains revolutionary war remains. Wright's Tavern is just off the monument square. This is the site where the Committees of the Provincial Congress met on the eve of the Revolution. The larger body of troops met at the Meeting House nearby. Wright Tavern was the Headquarters of the Minutemen early on the morning of April 19, 1775. It is now the "Wright Center for Spiritual Renewal", which also houses some other small businesses…..go figure!"
At the opposite end of monument square (west side) is the 1716 Colonial Inn (48 Monument Square), which claims to be the oldest inn in continuous operation in America. It's huge and rambling, serves food almost all day and has comfortable (small) rooms priced seasonally (which means that during the late summer tourist season you want to consider returning to Boston for the night!). The Colonial Inn became a hotel in 1889. Prior to this it was a private home for a series of families that included Henry David Thoreau. The current building has several fireplaces, original woodwork, polished floors and a lot of New England charm.
On the east side of monument square take Lexington Rd and bear right when it forks and on your left will be the Concord Museum. This is definitely worth the stop! This museum houses over a dozen period rooms which cover 3 centuries of history. They include Raph Waldo Emerson's study. There is also memorabilia from Henry David Thoreau, whose beloved Walden Pond is located in the nearby countryside, as well as the lantern that hung in the old North Church in 1775 and signaled Paul Revere's famous ride.
If you take Lexington Rd and don't bear right at the fork, you will drive past "Wayside", home of the Hawthorns and Alcotts as well as "Orchard House" home to Louisa May Alcott. I have not personally toured either of these homes, but both are beautifully restored and maintained and shown by guided tours.
Main Street exits off monument square and has great shopping in small to medium sized upscale boutiques within blocks of the square. Also on Main Street is a small cemetery that is the burial site of the earliest Concord families and Revolutionary soldiers. It is also beautifully maintained.
Although I still recommend returning to Boston for less expensive lodging during the summer tourist influx, Concord is the location of the Hawthorne Inn, a B&B frequently sited as one of the best in New England. This B&B is located across the street from Orchard House (at 462 Lexington St.). You can't miss it because it is an 1870 house in the woods….painted pink! Artist Gregory Burch purchased the house in the 1970's to house his pointing and sculpture studio and establish an inn for wayfarers. They offer the comfort of an impeccably maintained and antiques-filled home with books of poet6ry and art, and Mayan and Inca artifacts. They have 7 guest rooms with private baths and welcome children.
Recommended:
Yes
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Epinions.com ID:
vickie
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Location: Waltham, MA
Reviews written: 75
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