Begin your park visit at the Minute Man Visitor Center, near the eastern entrance of the park. "The Road To Revolution," a multimedia theater program offered at the Minute Man Visitor Center, provides an excellent introduction to the main park story. The program depicts Paul Revere's Ride and the battles at Lexington Green, North Bridge and along the Battle Road. The visitor center exhibits include a forty-foot mural that portrays the fighting between Colonists and British Regulars. Park Rangers are on duty to answer questions. After leaving the visitor center, explore the Battle Road Trail. This five mile trail connects historic sites from Meriam’s Corner in Concord to the eastern boundary of the park in Lexington. The main theme of the trail is the Battle of April 19, 1775, that launched the American Revolution. More over, the trail interprets the broader human story of the people whose lives were altered by the events that took place here. Much of the trail follows original remnants of the Battle Road; other sections leave the historic road to follow the route of the Minute Men, traversing farming fields, wetlands, and forests. If you do not wish to hike on the trail, you can stop at two key points, the Paul Revere Capture Site and the Hartwell Tavern Historical Area. To drive to these points, turn right out of the Minute Man Visitor Center Parking Area. You will be on Route 2A west. Take the next available right turn into the Paul Revere Capture Site parking area. Leaving this parking lot, turn right. Travel westward through one blinking light. After the blinking light, approximately 1/4 mile on your right, you will find the Hartwell parking area. The Hartwell Tavern can be accessed from this parking area. Hartwell Tavern, located on Rt. 2A in Lincoln is an authentic period home, a tangible reminder of how people lived in this area at the outbreak of the American Revolution. The home of Ephraim and Elizabeth Hartwell and their children was not only a prosperous farm, but also operated as a tavern. The structure played a significant role as a landmark in the community as travelers to and from Boston stopped and shared the latest news and discussed important issues of the day. Ranger Programs are offered at Hartwell Tavern May - October The next stop along the park tour will be The Wayside: Home of Authors, where 19th-century authors kept the spirit of the Revolution alive by contributing to the creation of a American literary identity. During the Revolutionary era, The Wayside was the home of Samuel Whitney, muster master of the Concord Minute Men. During the literary renaissance of the 19th century, it was home to three families of authors. The young Louisa May Alcott wrote her first published work here. Extensive renovations to the house were made by Nathaniel Hawthorne, including the vaulted tower study. Harriett Lothrop, using the pen name “Margaret Sidney” wrote the “Five Little Peppers” stories at this “Home of Authors." To continue to The Wayside from Hartwell Tavern, continue west on Route 2A for ¾ mile. At the blinking light, bear right and follow the signs towards Concord Center. You will be on Lexington Road. You will pass the Meriam’s Corner parking area on your right. Approximately 1/3 mile from Meriam’s Corner, you will see The Wayside, a large yellow house on your right with a parking area across the street. Turn left onto Hawthorne Lane to access the parking lot. The Wayside: Home of Authors is open for guided tours on Thursday at 2:00 and 4:00 and on Friday, Saturday and Sunday at 11:00, 1:30, 3:00 and 4:30, from May 27 - October 29, 2006 Continue on to Concord's North Bridge, site of “the shot heard ‘round the world.” Here in this beautifully restored 19th century commemorative landscape, featuring the famous Minute Man statue by Daniel Chester French, is a perfect place to reflect upon the things experienced on the tour. Sit and listen to a 20 minute Ranger Program to enhance your visit to this hallowed ground. To get to the North Bridge from The Wayside, continue west on Lexington Road for 7/10 mile. Proceed straight through the traffic circle. When the Colonial Inn is directly in front of you, turn right onto Monument Street. The North Bridge Parking Area is 1/2 mile ahead on the right. Cross the street and walk the footpath to the Bridge (approximately 100 yards). The North Bridge Visitor Center is a 5-minute walk away. You can drive to the visitor center by continuing on Monument Street. Take your first left onto Liberty Street. The entrance to the North Bridge Visitor Center Parking Area is 1/10 mile ahead to your left. Follow the path from the North Bridge to the North Bridge Visitor Center. Located in a brick mansion built in 1911 by descendents of the Buttrick family (Major John Buttrick was the colonial officer who first ordered his militia to fire upon British soldiers.), the North Bridge Visitor Center features a short video about the North Bridge fight, a bookstore and exhibits. Among the most exciting exhibits in the park is a brass cannon, dubbed "The Hancock" in celebration of its storied past. In 1775, this cannon, recently smuggled out of Boston, was one of four brass cannons hidden in Concord and its recovery was one of General Gage's chief motives when he sent British troops to Concord on April 19, 1775. It is proudly displayed in the North Bridge Visitor Center upon a carriage made and donated by Park Volunteer Bill Rose.
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