Step Back in Time in Historic Concord

The scenic town west of Boston was where the American Revolution began in 1775, and was later home to influential 19th century writers.

Photo by C. Danko, © 2003 The Old North Bridge still stands near Concord Center.

About 30 minutes west of Boston lies a town with a rich history and a countrified appearance. Concord, Massachusetts, once a colonial village that was a staging ground for the start of the American Revolution, later became a home for 19th century writers and intellectuals. Today, with its classic homes, and historical landmarks, antiques, and picturesque, wildflower-filled fields, Concord remains a popular destination for visitors to New England.

In colonial times, Concord Village was a small farming community. As hostilities grew between colonists and England, British commanders got word of a cache of arms being hidden in Concord. The "Red Coats," as British troops were known, set out from Boston to Concord by way of Cambridge, Arlington, Lexington, Bedford, and Concord - a route that largely traces what is now Route 2A, or Massachusetts Avenue. Paul Revere and William Dawes rode ahead part of the way, in their infamous ride, warning of the approach of the British soldiers. It was in Concord, on the Old North Bridge, that fighting broke out between the colonists and the British, and the American Revolution had begun.

In the 19th century, Concord was the home of such writers as Henry David Thoreau, Ralph Waldo Emerson, Louisa May Alcott, and Nathaniel Hawthorne. Concord's Walden Pond was made famous by Thoreau's writings, and in the 1850s, the town was a stop on the Underground Railroad, a route for runaway slaves heading north.

Today, reminders of the town's past still stand, including the North Bridge; Alcott's childhood home Orchard House; Colonial Inn, one of this country's oldest inns; The Wayside, another Alcott family home, which was later bought by Nathaniel Hawthorne; and Walden Pond, where Thoreau lived for two years as he sought to escape boundaries of the industrialized world. Other spots worth a visit include Sleepy Hollow Cemetery, where Thoreau, Hawthorne, and Emerson are buried; The Old Manse, once a home to Emerson, Hawthorne, and early ministers; Wright's Tavern, a meeting place during colonial times; and the Concord Museum, with a collection that includes Paul Revere's lantern, American Revolution artifacts, and belongings of Thoreau and Emerson.

Getting There

From I-95, take exit 29 to Route 2 heading west. Follow for about five minutes until Route 2 takes a turn left. At that point, go straight through the lights onto Cambridge Turnpike and follow until it merges with Route 2A. Follow 2A into Concord Center.

On the Web

Paul Revere's Ride
The Wayside
Orchard House
Concord Museum
Concord Tours
Visiting Concord

Author: C. Danko
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