Hi Katie, . . I'm with the construction company that worked in Lexington on the Battle Green all year. I'm also a history fanatic so this past year was heaven. We got to do something that most people can't do. . we're allowed to dig in the ground. There's a lot that is passed over when people tell the story of the Green. We get to stand in the footsteps of history. I sat on the front step of John Harrington's house and could almost hear his wife crying. . .I sat on the stairs where Mariet Mornoe served tea during the fight. . . It's "wicked awesome" that you do these videos. Keep up the great work.
I grew up in Medford, watching the Patriot's Day Parade and celebration with "Paul Revere" riding through town. Priceless memories. I moved to Ft. Lauderdale in 1973. Not only is Patriot's Day not celebrated, in my experience, most people outside of New England don't even know the significance of April 19th. Don't expect it to get any better, when even the prevailing culture in Massachusetts believes in "America Last" and hates the history that this country was founded upon.
Because our legitimate government has been hijacked by Satan worshipping globalist treasonous murderous scumbags since the CIA was created by Truman in 1947
NC guy most all my life, but made my first visit to Boston three weeks ago, primarily to attend the Red Sox, Yankees game and another game with my son. Also able to spend a couple days walking downtown seeing most all the historic sites. Fascinating experience! Discovered your videos afterward and thanks so much for your insights and visuals.
So, I grew up in Lexington, went to Parker Elementary School (before it closed and became condos), attended St. Brigid church (the modern church next to the old burial grounds), toured historic homes (including Buckman Tavern) more times than I can count, and your description of Lexington history is EXTREMELY well researched. Well done! One thing that you have missed is the dying Minuteman staggering to his doorstep just off the green and dying of his wounds on his doorstep (true? Or old wife’s tale?). Also, if the walk up to the belfry is troublesome to you (it won’t be to many folks… it’s a stroll), never go hiking in the Mountain West (where I now live) you won’t have a chance. One idea of an episode for you: if the battle of what is now Arlington was so fierce in the afternoon (during the British march back to Boston) why was Lexington the first engagement? Why was the first engagement not in Cambridge or Arlington in the morning as the British moved west towards Concord? These communities were similarly “warned/alarmed” and they had time to gather. Why didn’t they? Why did it take so long for the first shots to sound?
The man who died on his own doorstep was John Harrington. True AFAIK. He reportedly had dispersed as ordered by Captain Parker. There was a great confusion between the British leaders shouting orders from horseback and the jeering from both sides. It was said to have been a tinderbox.
I've been to the Green on a few occasions but hadn't appreciated what I've learned from your 'deep dive' presentations. I'm going to return and take another look! Your enthusiasm is most contagious. Thank you for your terrific work.
Been waiting for this one! I’m fascinated with Lexington, Concord, Old North Church, Paul Revere, all the events of that first day of the American Revolution. 🇺🇸
I have never been to the Lexington Green, but will be making a trip eventually as I love history. Your videos are awesome and personal and detailed with just what helps me get the culture and times and people of the revolution.
I was there in high school, along with Concord, almost 60 years ago so don't remember very much. The Revolutionary War has always been interesting to me, so have read various books on the founding fathers. It is certainly fascinating
Katie, I recently discovered your channel. You have great briefs. I'm sure you've read David Hackett Fischer's PAUL REVERE'S RIDE? For those of you who have never heard of it, I highly recommend it!! I've read it four times now..
Went to school in Lexington and got stuck in the blizzard of 78. Classmate lived in downtown Lexington and his family had for very very long time. He had cannon balls and bullets from the Concorde bridge and Lexington green. We then walk through the snow to look at the bullet holes in some houses on the green. Never forgot that was so cold and so so cool!!! You are a fantastic storyteller of history.
Yes, I've been to Lexington. In 2014 I took what I call my patriot pilgrimage, to Philadelphia for Independence Day and then to Boston for a few days. Endless are the stories I could tell, but not here. I drove from Boston out to Lexington, and rode on a tour bus to Concord. My favorite part of Lexington Green has to be the stone with Captain Parker's words on it: 'if they mean to have a war, let it begin here.' And the war did begin, right there. If that's not one of the most historic of historical landmarks in the United States, I don't know what is. But the thing that really stopped me in my tracks that day was at Concord, the memorial to the British soldiers who died there. Apparently if common soldiers died in battle, the British just left them there on the battlefield. The colonists were the ones who gathered them up later and gave them decent burials. I still get choked up thinking about that.
Since I have been semi-retired for about a year, I was going to head down yesterday for my first visit and was saddened to hear that the reenactment event was canceled due to flooding. Thank you for doing this video as I plan to get down there next year, hopefully there won’t be flooding. Gives me a little preparation.
Hi, this was interesting bc one time I visited Lexington but only saw a pretty posh town and park--didn't seem welcoming to wanderers so I just circled the green and drove on. But Concord was a different matter! A great battlefield and museum. I appreciate this look at Lexington that I didn't get at the time.
I may never get to visit any of these places but i think its great to be able to see them and hear the stories of the individual Americans who took a stand and put their lives on the line for the ideal of freedom. Many of us would never have heard their stories had it not been for your videos and enthusiasm. Thank you.
Hi Katie Great videos. I have visited Lexington, Concord and Boston several times. I was a bit disappointed that Lexington Green hadn't been reconstructed to show exactly how it appeared on April 19, 1775. It is such an important site to our great nation. I love your videos and would like to offer a bit of advice on how to better them for those who aren't as familiar with the details. More maps showing the routes taken with maybe the column of red coats and the positions of the patriots each step of the route, including Revere's route and the other two riders that night. And showing where the British landed and began their March to Concord via Lexington and back again during their retreat. It would make it easier to understand. I am a Civil War author and found that maps helped greatly when it comes to troop movements. Love your channel!
Let me know in the comments below if you've ever been to Lexington Green, and if so, what feature or monument is your favorite? ~ Thank you for watching!
Hi Katie. I love Revolutionary War history and I subscribed to your channel over the weekend. I live in Essex County, N.Y. where the famous forts Ticonderoga and Crown Point are located. I would love if you did an episode on the 58 pieces of artillery that were dragged overland each on a sled of its own in the winter of 1775-76 from the captured Fort Ticonderoga to Dorchester Heights by General Henry Knox and his men forcing the evacuation and liberation of Boston from the British in March of 1776. It was an extremely difficult task and engineering feat without a loss of a single cannon and a victory for the colonists. I would love to see where they set the artillery in Dorchester Heights that forced General Howe his army and the loyalist population to flee. Had this band of men not been successful future revolutionary events could have turned out radically different. Thank you for the interesting post to watch and your Boston accent is fantastic.
I replied on another of your video. But, I'll reiterate. Several years ago, I went to Lexington to meet with a group of people, several veterans, and others on April 19. We took an oath, as a veteran it was my second time to swear to protect and defend this nation form all its enemies. My favorite part was listening to some of the historic record, and talking to others who had come from all over to this tribute to those who had given their all to start this nation. I think an important part was that which I've learned over the years. The Militia, why the Founders placed it in the Constitution, why it was and is supposed to be mandatory service for all able-bodied men capable of bearing arms. Why the actions of Parkers company, and the militia companies from the surrounding areas is such an important part of our history.
I visited both Lexington and Concord. I had read a book "Rebels & Redcoats" by Hugh Bicheno and was therefore skeptical about the whole narrative. There are so many questions and no answers. Too much mythology and not enough truth. Everything that Paul Revere wrote should be questioned. It sounds like more like self promotion than real history.
Was there in April, 2002. Absolutely loved it and Concord. My favorite thing were the patriot's graves on Lexington Green and seeing the British graves along the side of the "battle road." Unbelievable. Thanks for the video!
As greater Boston native, yes, I've been there and throughout the Lexington and Concord sites. Beloved and hallowed ground, In younger days, I've stopped many a time as a cycling destination.
Hello Katie just discovered your videos and love them! I noticed a portion of a portrait in this video I see Ben Franklin and I suspect John Adam’s and Alexander Hamilton so my curiosity is whether Roger Sherman is in there. He is my son-in-law’s ancestor and never gets recognition for his significant contribution to both the Declaration of Independence and the Sherman Compromise forming our bicameral government. He is a very interesting story! He’s the tall guy in paintings at the table when presenting the declaration to George Washington.
My 5 x great grand uncle was Samuel Hadley who was one of the 8 men killed at Lexington. Ironically my hubby is related to Captain Parker. My 5 x great grandfather Ebenezer Hadley also assembled on the green that morning. Thank you for the great videos. One of these days ill get there to see it for myself.
I've been to the green, the Buckman Tavern and onto the Concord Bridge. It was all fascinating to me. At least one of the houses on the Battle Road. Hope to visit again. Also, the National Park Service buildings.
Katie , love the videos. Do one on the other alarm riders besides Revere, especially the women alarm riders. Also, do one on the spot where Revere was captured. I believe there is a marker there. There were British patrols (in civilian clothes) who were there to prevent alarm riders and essentially failed in their efforts. Thank you. Charles
I lived in Lexington for 2 years starting in 1964 (age 10). The first year I played fife in the fife and drum corps for the April 19 parade. It was great to spend a lot of time on the Green and know what happened there. The story that most struck me was about one of the men who was shot and dragged himself across the street to his front doorstep where he died in his wife’s arms. I still get choked up when I think about it. I was thrilled at the thought of the militiamen shooting at the fleeing British from behind rocks and trees. Lots of good memories from Lexington.
Nice work. Born and raised in Billerica. Family traces back to 1680 in that town. Had a couple of ancestors who responded to the call that morning and fought the Regulars as they retreated back to Boston. Have no details of what they did specifically.
Brilliant. Well told. I need to visit the area. My girl and I visited Boston and Charlestown once and walked the freedom trail. Crossed to Charlestown. Saw the USS Constitution and walked up to the Bunker hill, Breed's hill area. Had lunch at the Warren Tavern. Would really like to come back and visit the Lexington and Concord area.
When we visited Lexington Green during a very pleasant day in November, there was no explanation in any kind of detail by the bus driver or guide. Passengers were just dropped there for a brief period before we reboarded and moved on. So this detailed video by someone knowledgeable (not to mention the wonderful New England accent) is very useful. Thank you.
My Mother was born in 1920 and grew up in Lexington. I grew up in Menotomy now called Arlington. We celebrated every April 19 at my Grandparents home in Lexington.
I've been to Lexington twice: once as a kid in 1976, and then again with my own family in 2005. It's a beautiful little town and a very peaceful setting. It is striking and a bit hard to imagine that it was a war zone in 1775. I also wonder what the aftermath was like for the people in the town -- pretty rough for such a small town to lose seven men in a war they didn't even know they were in yet.
Yes, I have been to Lexington, concord and, the surrounding areas. I don’t know that i can pick a “favorite” spot but I am drawn to the Munroe tavern as I am a Monroe/Munroe/Monro, by heritage. Concord bridge is a somber place to spend some time, but sincerely…everything about the Massachusetts connection to the colonist war for independence, never gets old! I wonder often, what those men would say about the Massachusetts of 2024.
I would love to make the march the British did. There and back. Visiting Lexington and Concord. I grew up an hour and half from Boston. I have ancestors buried from the battle of bunker hill and that most likely but I can't prove fired on the British during this march, I have never been to bunker hill or any of the local battle sites. I need to go see them.
My favorite features were the old buildings like the Buckman Tavern, but what struck me the most was that the men who died on the green where (re)buried there. Tragic, but so pivotal to American (and world) history.
I remember going to Revere`s home decades ago,maybe mid `90s and I believe at the top of the Hancock Building,there was a room with the miniature battlefields set up with these different battles and I`d love to do it all again...One condition though:no driving in Boston..........lol
You corrected yourself which was good. They were not shouting the British are coming, most of the population still considered themselves British. But you were correct in saying that the riders were yelling the Regulars are out they also used the term Red Coats
Katie there are a couple of things worth clarifying or that I have questions about. First, I believe the reason the British got so close is that their mounted scouts captured the Lexington lookouts (true?). Second, did one of the scouts get shot making a run for the belfry? Third was there a guy in the belfry with powder? Fourth, the Bedford Road isn't the same as the Great Road we know now linking Bedford? True? I've been confused about this. Fifth, the British claim someone shot at them from the area of the Tavern. Is there any confirmation of this?
Really great questions - much food for thought!! I can speak to two of Parker's scouts. One went out and couldn't find any British troops on the move. He came back and reported he saw no sign of them. The second scout was the one who spotted the British so surprisingly close to town. I believe he narrowly evaded capture but was able to come back & alert Parker that the British arrival was imminent. Regarding a scout getting shot making a run for the belfry - I don't know of a scout getting shot, however, Asahel Porter of Woburn was indeed shot & killed while making a run for the Green. He had been out on area roads very early that morning and had been captured and held as a prisoner. It's thought that he either made a break for it, or was released but was shot because he was running. Also, Caleb Harrington was shot possibly running from the meeting-house. YES, there was a guy actually in the meeting house with powder!!! (I didn't mention the meeting house in this video - but of course, I'll make one where I will!) Boston1775 did a post on Joshua Simonds who was up the meeting-house and put the muzzle of his gun in a cask of gunpowder, planning to blow the meeting-house sky-high if the British tried to enter and seize the powder! Really exciting and interesting! Great q re: the Great Road - I can't answer it at the moment however, I'm going to keep my eye out for further info on that. Speaking in terms of the first shot(s) fired, not the return fire - Yes the British did they claim they were fired upon but there's no real confirmation or substantition of this, that I'm aware of. Very interesting discussion, thank you! Lots to think about!
A few years ago on April 19th while I was living on Massachusetts Ave in Arlington, I heard the clip clop of horses walking down pavement at around 2:30 am. I was half awake when I looked out my window to see two guys dressed as British soldiers riding horses down the street. It was really cool. I know that Lexington does a reenactment later on that day but I don't know why they were there at that time. Which museum is that clock located?
Yes, I have been there. I am always stuck with eerie feelings being at the actual spots of history. Standing at the north-west area of the green, I thought how it must have been for farmers and townsmen to look to that corner where the Parker monument stands, waiting for professional soldiers of the greatest army in the world to appear. I remember a diorama of the fight, particularly the figures dragging a chest of documents off the green to prevent the British from seizing them. A small action captured in a time of chaos. From Lexington, I went to Concord. Returning, I thought of the difference between the road from Boson to Lexington and the road from Concord to Lexington. If I wanted to murder an army, the road from Concord to Lexington would be the place.
What is the best way to experience Lexington and Concord for the first time? Where should you start the walk and what key points/buildings can you visit?
I read that 700 British were dispatched and they burned down the armory at Concord superintended by my great great great great grandfather Cornelius Atherton, who worked directly for Adams and Hancock, that it was their armory. Did I not see smoke in the images of the events?
There were probably two other alarm riders in addition to Revere and Dawes. We don't know their identity. No alarm rider was warning that "The British were out." The Provincials considered themselves British citizens with all of the rights attendant to that and, in fact, one of their main complaints was that they were not being treated as British citizens. Most probably the riders were screaming that "The Redcoats are out." The Redcoats occupied Boston and Massachusetts and were hated, with sufficient cause, by the future rebels.
Yes, supposedly one of them was Israel Bissel (and supposedly he is a distant relative) but like so many parts of history, it is fuzzy/unclear/possibly untrue. There was even a Sam Waterston history short that mentions him and the Union Oyster House has or used to have a bit of info on display.
Its very moving. Abraham Lincoln said it best when at his Washington inauguration in 1861 in refering to the : " mystic cords... from every Patroits grave...." that bind (both Norther and Southern Americans) .." .we MUST be friends..." 250 years is really last week in terms of our human lifespan. In Gods perspective, this all happened a minute ago.
I’ve never been there. I only visit places Sam Colt would be welcome. I visit places like that through your and other’s video’s and enjoy listening to your east coast slang. It’s odd to me though that a place so rich in our country’s history and founding has become so anti constitutional 😢. I know it’s not all people there but somehow I don’t believe our founding fathers and the patriots that sacrificed so much would approve. Thanks for sharing
Hi Katie, . . I'm with the construction company that worked in Lexington on the Battle Green all year. I'm also a history fanatic so this past year was heaven. We got to do something that most people can't do. . we're allowed to dig in the ground. There's a lot that is passed over when people tell the story of the Green. We get to stand in the footsteps of history. I sat on the front step of John Harrington's house and could almost hear his wife crying. . .I sat on the stairs where Mariet Mornoe served tea during the fight. . . It's "wicked awesome" that you do these videos. Keep up the great work.
Wow! Lucky you!!
You are a gift to American history buffs.
Thank You again Katie. Your passion for this subject is conveyed by your voice and expressions.
The Buchman Tavern tour is worth the money especially to think of Revere dragging Hancock's trunk down those steep stairs.
So true!!
Your videos are awesome, thank you!
I cannot understand why April 19th is not a holiday. Only celebrated in Massachusetts
I grew up in Medford, watching the Patriot's Day Parade and celebration with "Paul Revere" riding through town. Priceless memories. I moved to Ft. Lauderdale in 1973. Not only is Patriot's Day not celebrated, in my experience, most people outside of New England don't even know the significance of April 19th. Don't expect it to get any better, when even the prevailing culture in Massachusetts believes in "America Last" and hates the history that this country was founded upon.
@Hupernike45 Patriot's day is celebrated in Maine, North Dakota, Wisconsin, I think that's all.
Because our legitimate government has been hijacked by Satan worshipping globalist treasonous murderous scumbags since the CIA was created by Truman in 1947
Wonderful retelling thanks. You are an excellent historian and interpreter!
I love your channel!
Hi Katie. Great content. Happy to find your channel.
NC guy most all my life, but made my first visit to Boston three weeks ago, primarily to attend the Red Sox, Yankees game and another game with my son. Also able to spend a couple days walking downtown seeing most all the historic sites. Fascinating experience! Discovered your videos afterward and thanks so much for your insights and visuals.
So, I grew up in Lexington, went to Parker Elementary School (before it closed and became condos), attended St. Brigid church (the modern church next to the old burial grounds), toured historic homes (including Buckman Tavern) more times than I can count, and your description of Lexington history is EXTREMELY well researched. Well done!
One thing that you have missed is the dying Minuteman staggering to his doorstep just off the green and dying of his wounds on his doorstep (true? Or old wife’s tale?). Also, if the walk up to the belfry is troublesome to you (it won’t be to many folks… it’s a stroll), never go hiking in the Mountain West (where I now live) you won’t have a chance.
One idea of an episode for you: if the battle of what is now Arlington was so fierce in the afternoon (during the British march back to Boston) why was Lexington the first engagement? Why was the first engagement not in Cambridge or Arlington in the morning as the British moved west towards Concord? These communities were similarly “warned/alarmed” and they had time to gather. Why didn’t they? Why did it take so long for the first shots to sound?
The man who died on his own doorstep was John Harrington. True AFAIK. He reportedly had dispersed as ordered by Captain Parker. There was a great confusion between the British leaders shouting orders from horseback and the jeering from both sides. It was said to have been a tinderbox.
I went to Parker too!
Thank you for your commitment your dedication Bring tears to my eyes for the man of the revolution as well as the women
Your videos are excellent and informative,
Really enjoy learning about our history from you. I thought I knew a lot about it. I surely don't! Looking forward to hearing more!! Thank you!
You’re such a great historian I absolutely love the history of the revolutionary war.
I could talk about it all day long.
I've been to the Green on a few occasions but hadn't appreciated what I've learned from your 'deep dive' presentations. I'm going to return and take another look! Your enthusiasm is most contagious. Thank you for your terrific work.
Love the New England history, a great place to see it all.
I've always liked the Colonial and earlier styled houses of New England. This just feeds right in!
You're videos are awesome. I love the rarely covered details you go into! God bless!
The Freedom Trail is definitely on my bucket list. And more so after having seen this video!
Definitely visit the USS Constitution.
Been waiting for this one! I’m fascinated with Lexington, Concord, Old North Church, Paul Revere, all the events of that first day of the American Revolution. 🇺🇸
I have never been to the Lexington Green, but will be making a trip eventually as I love history. Your videos are awesome and personal and detailed with just what helps me get the culture and times and people of the revolution.
I was there in high school, along with Concord, almost 60 years ago so don't remember very much. The Revolutionary War has always been interesting to me, so have read various books on the founding fathers. It is certainly fascinating
Katie, I recently discovered your channel. You have great briefs. I'm sure you've read David Hackett Fischer's PAUL REVERE'S RIDE? For those of you who have never heard of it, I highly recommend it!! I've read it four times now..
Visiting the sites was so much more enjoyable AFTER watching your videos. Thank you!
I am planning a vacation trip to the East Coast to visit some historical sites. I will be adding this to my list. Thanks!
I hope you have an amazing trip! Thanks for watching!
Thank you for taking the time to create your revolutionary war videos.
Went to school in Lexington and got stuck in the blizzard of 78. Classmate lived in downtown Lexington and his family had for very very long time. He had cannon balls and bullets from the Concorde bridge and Lexington green. We then walk through the snow to look at the bullet holes in some houses on the green. Never forgot that was so cold and so so cool!!! You are a fantastic storyteller of history.
Definitely on my bucket list. Thank you
Yes, I've been to Lexington. In 2014 I took what I call my patriot pilgrimage, to Philadelphia for Independence Day and then to Boston for a few days. Endless are the stories I could tell, but not here. I drove from Boston out to Lexington, and rode on a tour bus to Concord.
My favorite part of Lexington Green has to be the stone with Captain Parker's words on it: 'if they mean to have a war, let it begin here.' And the war did begin, right there. If that's not one of the most historic of historical landmarks in the United States, I don't know what is.
But the thing that really stopped me in my tracks that day was at Concord, the memorial to the British soldiers who died there. Apparently if common soldiers died in battle, the British just left them there on the battlefield. The colonists were the ones who gathered them up later and gave them decent burials. I still get choked up thinking about that.
That was touching to me as well
Thank you for bringing history to life for me.
Since I have been semi-retired for about a year, I was going to head down yesterday for my first visit and was saddened to hear that the reenactment event was canceled due to flooding. Thank you for doing this video as I plan to get down there next year, hopefully there won’t be flooding. Gives me a little preparation.
I have been but did not have the benefit of the eye and perspective you have generously shared! I am looking forward to returning.
I am catching up and this all is so helpful in my initial studies of the Revolutionary War history
Me too! I've heard of some of this before, but it didn't really sink in how early this was before all the actions to come later.
Great video
Visited the Green in 2019, along with North Bridge. Very moving to walk on such historic ground.
Very informative. I learned something new. Thank you!
Thank you for watching!
Hi, this was interesting bc one time I visited Lexington but only saw a pretty posh town and park--didn't seem welcoming to wanderers so I just circled the green and drove on. But Concord was a different matter! A great battlefield and museum. I appreciate this look at Lexington that I didn't get at the time.
I may never get to visit any of these places but i think its great to be able to see them and hear the stories of the individual Americans who took a stand and put their lives on the line for the ideal of freedom. Many of us would never have heard their stories had it not been for your videos and enthusiasm. Thank you.
How delightful to find your channel !!
Hi Katie Great videos. I have visited Lexington, Concord and Boston several times. I was a bit disappointed that Lexington Green hadn't been reconstructed to show exactly how it appeared on April 19, 1775. It is such an important site to our great nation. I love your videos and would like to offer a bit of advice on how to better them for those who aren't as familiar with the details. More maps showing the routes taken with maybe the column of red coats and the positions of the patriots each step of the route, including Revere's route and the other two riders that night. And showing where the British landed and began their March to Concord via Lexington and back again during their retreat. It would make it easier to understand. I am a Civil War author and found that maps helped greatly when it comes to troop movements. Love your channel!
Always enjoy learning more and more from the wonderful videos you share.
Let me know in the comments below if you've ever been to Lexington Green, and if so, what feature or monument is your favorite?
~ Thank you for watching!
Hi Katie. I love Revolutionary War history and I subscribed to your channel over the weekend. I live in Essex County, N.Y. where the famous forts Ticonderoga and Crown Point are located. I would love if you did an episode on the 58 pieces of artillery that were dragged overland each on a sled of its own in the winter of 1775-76 from the captured Fort Ticonderoga to Dorchester Heights by General Henry Knox and his men forcing the evacuation and liberation of Boston from the British in March of 1776. It was an extremely difficult task and engineering feat without a loss of a single cannon and a victory for the colonists. I would love to see where they set the artillery in Dorchester Heights that forced General Howe his army and the loyalist population to flee. Had this band of men not been successful future revolutionary events could have turned out radically different. Thank you for the interesting post to watch and your Boston accent is fantastic.
I replied on another of your video. But, I'll reiterate. Several years ago, I went to Lexington to meet with a group of people, several veterans, and others on April 19. We took an oath, as a veteran it was my second time to swear to protect and defend this nation form all its enemies.
My favorite part was listening to some of the historic record, and talking to others who had come from all over to this tribute to those who had given their all to start this nation. I think an important part was that which I've learned over the years. The Militia, why the Founders placed it in the Constitution, why it was and is supposed to be mandatory service for all able-bodied men capable of bearing arms. Why the actions of Parkers company, and the militia companies from the surrounding areas is such an important part of our history.
I visited both Lexington and Concord. I had read a book "Rebels & Redcoats" by Hugh Bicheno and was therefore skeptical about the whole narrative. There are so many questions and no answers. Too much mythology and not enough truth. Everything that Paul Revere wrote should be questioned. It sounds like more like self promotion than real history.
I've been to Lexington Green but then again I grew up in Lexington. IDK what makes me more homesick (sick of home?), your accent or the town 🙂
Great video! I was there this past summer. I was moved by the area Capt. Parkers men formed up. Hope you make a video about Concord Bridge!
I’ve definitely got to do that before the snow comes! 😆 thanks for watching!
Was there in April, 2002. Absolutely loved it and Concord. My favorite thing were the patriot's graves on Lexington Green and seeing the British graves along the side of the "battle road." Unbelievable.
Thanks for the video!
Such good stuff…
As greater Boston native, yes, I've been there and throughout the Lexington and Concord sites. Beloved and hallowed ground, In younger days, I've stopped many a time as a cycling destination.
Hello Katie just discovered your videos and love them! I noticed a portion of a portrait in this video I see Ben Franklin and I suspect John Adam’s and Alexander Hamilton so my curiosity is whether Roger Sherman is in there. He is my son-in-law’s ancestor and never gets recognition for his significant contribution to both the Declaration of Independence and the Sherman Compromise forming our bicameral government. He is a very interesting story! He’s the tall guy in paintings at the table when presenting the declaration to George Washington.
An extra comment to help boost the TH-cam algorithm!
Does it work? I'll reply for maybe even some more boost! Lol
@@johncatdaddy8895 count me in for the boost to the channel. Everybody should understand real American history
Thank you, again for this history.
Excellent post. Thank you.
Love your videos
I've been to Lexington 2x and Concord once. Planning on going again.
Great video Katie!
My 5 x great grand uncle was Samuel Hadley who was one of the 8 men killed at Lexington. Ironically my hubby is related to Captain Parker. My 5 x great grandfather Ebenezer Hadley also assembled on the green that morning. Thank you for the great videos. One of these days ill get there to see it for myself.
Nice job, need to make a trip...
I've been to the green, the Buckman Tavern and onto the Concord Bridge. It was all fascinating to me. At least one of the houses on the Battle Road. Hope to visit again. Also, the National Park Service buildings.
Katie , love the videos. Do one on the other alarm riders besides Revere, especially the women alarm riders. Also, do one on the spot where Revere was captured. I believe there is a marker there. There were British patrols (in civilian clothes) who were there to prevent alarm riders and essentially failed in their efforts. Thank you. Charles
Love it!!!
I lived in Lexington for 2 years starting in 1964 (age 10). The first year I played fife in the fife and drum corps for the April 19 parade. It was great to spend a lot of time on the Green and know what happened there. The story that most struck me was about one of the men who was shot and dragged himself across the street to his front doorstep where he died in his wife’s arms. I still get choked up when I think about it.
I was thrilled at the thought of the militiamen shooting at the fleeing British from behind rocks and trees.
Lots of good memories from Lexington.
Nice work. Born and raised in Billerica. Family traces back to 1680 in that town. Had a couple of ancestors who responded to the call that morning and fought the Regulars as they retreated back to Boston. Have no details of what they did specifically.
Brilliant. Well told. I need to visit the area. My girl and I visited Boston and Charlestown once and walked the freedom trail. Crossed to Charlestown. Saw the USS Constitution and walked up to the Bunker hill, Breed's hill area. Had lunch at the Warren Tavern. Would really like to come back and visit the Lexington and Concord area.
I haven’t been to the Lexington Green since my teen years. I’m 66. I suppose it’s time to revisit.
great Katie 🇺🇸👍
History is better when told by an absolutely beautiful woman.
If you don't conduct tours of these sites, you should. I would absolutely bring my family to visit the cradle of American liberty with you!
Definitely on my bucket list
Thank you again katie
Again Thank You
When we visited Lexington Green during a very pleasant day in November, there was no explanation in any kind of detail by the bus driver or guide. Passengers were just dropped there for a brief period before we reboarded and moved on. So this detailed video by someone knowledgeable (not to mention the wonderful New England accent) is very useful. Thank you.
Thank you
Parents lived in Menotomy/Arlington 1964-1981. First visited the green in 1964. Revisited in 2015. Hope to hit it again soon.
My Mother was born in 1920 and grew up in Lexington. I grew up in Menotomy now called Arlington. We celebrated every April 19 at my Grandparents home in Lexington.
I've been to Lexington twice: once as a kid in 1976, and then again with my own family in 2005. It's a beautiful little town and a very peaceful setting. It is striking and a bit hard to imagine that it was a war zone in 1775. I also wonder what the aftermath was like for the people in the town -- pretty rough for such a small town to lose seven men in a war they didn't even know they were in yet.
Yes, I have been to Lexington, concord and, the surrounding areas. I don’t know that i can pick a “favorite” spot but I am drawn to the Munroe tavern as I am a Monroe/Munroe/Monro, by heritage. Concord bridge is a somber place to spend some time, but sincerely…everything about the Massachusetts connection to the colonist war for independence, never gets old! I wonder often, what those men would say about the Massachusetts of 2024.
Extra interesting video! ❤
Bucket List
I would love to make the march the British did. There and back. Visiting Lexington and Concord. I grew up an hour and half from Boston. I have ancestors buried from the battle of bunker hill and that most likely but I can't prove fired on the British during this march, I have never been to bunker hill or any of the local battle sites. I need to go see them.
My favorite features were the old buildings like the Buckman Tavern, but what struck me the most was that the men who died on the green where (re)buried there. Tragic, but so pivotal to American (and world) history.
I remember going to Revere`s home decades ago,maybe mid `90s and I believe at the top of the Hancock Building,there was a room with the miniature battlefields set up with these different battles and I`d love to do it all again...One condition though:no driving in Boston..........lol
After listening to your lectures, I want to make a trip to Lexington and Concord. Do you give tours?
Please work on the volume. It's like you're talking from another room. Otherwise GREAT !
You corrected yourself which was good. They were not shouting the British are coming, most of the population still considered themselves British. But you were correct in saying that the riders were yelling the Regulars are out they also used the term Red Coats
Katie there are a couple of things worth clarifying or that I have questions about. First, I believe the reason the British got so close is that their mounted scouts captured the Lexington lookouts (true?). Second, did one of the scouts get shot making a run for the belfry? Third was there a guy in the belfry with powder? Fourth, the Bedford Road isn't the same as the Great Road we know now linking Bedford? True? I've been confused about this. Fifth, the British claim someone shot at them from the area of the Tavern. Is there any confirmation of this?
Really great questions - much food for thought!! I can speak to two of Parker's scouts. One went out and couldn't find any British troops on the move. He came back and reported he saw no sign of them. The second scout was the one who spotted the British so surprisingly close to town. I believe he narrowly evaded capture but was able to come back & alert Parker that the British arrival was imminent.
Regarding a scout getting shot making a run for the belfry - I don't know of a scout getting shot, however, Asahel Porter of Woburn was indeed shot & killed while making a run for the Green. He had been out on area roads very early that morning and had been captured and held as a prisoner. It's thought that he either made a break for it, or was released but was shot because he was running. Also, Caleb Harrington was shot possibly running from the meeting-house.
YES, there was a guy actually in the meeting house with powder!!! (I didn't mention the meeting house in this video - but of course, I'll make one where I will!) Boston1775 did a post on Joshua Simonds who was up the meeting-house and put the muzzle of his gun in a cask of gunpowder, planning to blow the meeting-house sky-high if the British tried to enter and seize the powder! Really exciting and interesting!
Great q re: the Great Road - I can't answer it at the moment however, I'm going to keep my eye out for further info on that.
Speaking in terms of the first shot(s) fired, not the return fire - Yes the British did they claim they were fired upon but there's no real confirmation or substantition of this, that I'm aware of.
Very interesting discussion, thank you! Lots to think about!
Have been to Bunker Hill..never made it to Concord
A few years ago on April 19th while I was living on Massachusetts Ave in Arlington, I heard the clip clop of horses walking down pavement at around 2:30 am. I was half awake when I looked out my window to see two guys dressed as British soldiers riding horses down the street. It was really cool. I know that Lexington does a reenactment later on that day but I don't know why they were there at that time. Which museum is that clock located?
Yes, I have been there. I am always stuck with eerie feelings being at the actual spots of history. Standing at the north-west area of the green, I thought how it must have been for farmers and townsmen to look to that corner where the Parker monument stands, waiting for professional soldiers of the greatest army in the world to appear.
I remember a diorama of the fight, particularly the figures dragging a chest of documents off the green to prevent the British from seizing them. A small action captured in a time of chaos.
From Lexington, I went to Concord. Returning, I thought of the difference between the road from Boson to Lexington and the road from Concord to Lexington. If I wanted to murder an army, the road from Concord to Lexington would be the place.
“The British come into view..” Chills!
What is the best way to experience Lexington and Concord for the first time? Where should you start the walk and what key points/buildings can you visit?
I read that 700 British were dispatched and they burned down the armory at Concord superintended by my great great great great grandfather Cornelius Atherton, who worked directly for Adams and Hancock, that it was their armory. Did I not see smoke in the images of the events?
There were probably two other alarm riders in addition to Revere and Dawes. We don't know their identity. No alarm rider was warning that "The British were out." The Provincials considered themselves British citizens with all of the rights attendant to that and, in fact, one of their main complaints was that they were not being treated as British citizens. Most probably the riders were screaming that "The Redcoats are out." The Redcoats occupied Boston and Massachusetts and were hated, with sufficient cause, by the future rebels.
Yes, supposedly one of them was Israel Bissel (and supposedly he is a distant relative) but like so many parts of history, it is fuzzy/unclear/possibly untrue. There was even a Sam Waterston history short that mentions him and the Union Oyster House has or used to have a bit of info on display.
I am thinking, "the regulars are out" and not a continuous shout, just when arriving to warn Adams, Hancock, Warren, and the known captains.
Its very moving. Abraham Lincoln said it best when at his Washington inauguration in 1861 in refering to the :
" mystic cords... from every Patroits grave...." that bind (both Norther and Southern Americans) .." .we MUST be friends..." 250 years is really last week in terms of our human lifespan. In Gods perspective, this all happened a minute ago.
Sorry katie iv'e only been to 13:51 13:51 fe nway park for the yankee invasion .😊
You are a very beautiful lady. I love your channel and share your interest in this.
I wonder if schools even teach the shot heard around the world anymore.
The sound is way to low volume -
Am I the only one that finds the volume too low?
no volume
I’ve never been there.
I only visit places Sam Colt would be welcome.
I visit places like that through your and other’s video’s and enjoy listening to your east coast slang.
It’s odd to me though that a place so rich in our country’s history and founding has become so anti constitutional 😢. I know it’s not all people there but somehow I don’t believe our founding fathers and the patriots that sacrificed so much would approve.
Thanks for sharing
How about a meet and greet on Patriots day for the reenactment?
I am surprised the uber-libs of Lexington have not disarmed the Minuteman statue yet.
The fact that the statue is still there is a modern day miracle.
I can barely hear you