By Karen McBride
Ralph Waldo Emerson wrote the Concord Hymn:
By the rude bridge that arched the flood
Their flag to April’s breeze unfurled.
Here once the embattled farmer stood.
And fired the shot heard round the world.
The poem pays homage to the brave militia men who lost their lives during the American Revolution with the Battle of Concord being widely acknowledged as the event that started the American Revolution.
Growing up in the area, I never appreciated the rich history that surrounded us. However, as a child, I vividly recall the class assignment to memorize its opening paragraph, and I can still recite it today. Since then, I have been back to Massachusetts many times and brought my children to teach them the history of our country.
The field where this pivotal moment took place appears as a serene yellow field of tall grass surrounded by an age-old stone wall. Passersby may never suspect the historical importance of this small plot of land.
The brave Minutemen, predominantly farmers, courageously fought for independence from England. Their spirit resonates even today as Americans continue to uphold and defend our cherished freedoms.
If you have the opportunity to visit Massachusetts, spend some time learning about the embattled farmers at North Bridge. Park rangers provide guided tours. Visitors will see the Minute Man statue created by Daniel Chester French in 1875 to commemorate the 100th anniversary of the battle. Civil war cannons were melted down to create the cast bronze statue.
Historic buildings on the site include:
• The Old Manse, built in 1769: home to revolutionaries and to writers, such as Ralph Waldo Emerson and Nathaniel Hawthorne.
• The North Bridge Visitor Center: a brick mansion built in 1911 by Major John Buttrick’s descendants. After the British fired the first shot, Buttricks, a colonial officer,0 ordered his militia to fire back at the British soldiers. The ruins of two 17th century homes, owned by his brothers Ephraim and Willard Buttrick remain at the site.
Historic trades demonstrations and re-enactments are held throughout the year. Upcoming events include:
• A Declaration of Independence reading will be held on July 4, 2024.
• Patriots Day Celebrations will be held April, 2025. Check here for more details https://www.nps.gov/mima/planyourvisit/patriots-day.htm
As we celebrate the country’s independence day, remember it started with the shot heard round the world. To read more about the Battle of Concord or to plan your visit to the North Bridge, go to https://www.nps.gov/mima/north-bridge-questions.htm
