Lexington MA, Revolution and The Buckman Tavern
Historic Inn on the Green Where Shot Heard Round the World
Sep 27, 2009
The restored building called The Buckman Tavern stands on its original site on the green at 1 Bedford Street, in Lexington, MA.
The Lexington Historical Society owns and operates this building in testimony of its significance in American history, notably in the thick of musket fire at the Battle of Lexington and Concord, April 19, 1775.
The historic inn provides visitors continuity with American history and an intimate introduction to that particular historic day.
Taverns and Inns in Revolutionary Days
In the early days of colonization of the American territory, taverns or inns were critical in a number of ways. They were vital for respite from travel – food and bed for both horse and humans. Just as important was their role as a gathering place for exchange of news brought by travelers.
To find someone or hear news, the taverns were the first place to go. During the turbulence of the American Revolution the British knew this as well as the colonials.
Also, just as hotels are conference centers today, the taverns and inns of old were meeting places for all manner of business. In 1775 the business at the forefront was politics and war.
In 1775, tension between the American colonists and the British was reaching the critical point in Boston, MA. In nearby Concord, as part of preparation to take a stand if needed, the American Minutemen under Captain Parker were amassing munitions.
The Minutemen and revolutionary leaders such as Samuel Adams and John Hancock gathered after hours in taverns in Lexington and Concord, their “safe houses,” to talk, plan and exchange information and directives from the colonial leadership.
One of their main places for rendezvous in Lexington was The Buckman Tavern. Another was Lexington’s Munroe Tavern, about a mile up the road from Lexington green.
The British Are Coming
On the eve of April 19, 1775, Captain Parker, leader of the American Minutemen, and others reportedly met at The Buckman Tavern while some of their cohorts were meeting at the Munroe Tavern. Their pipeline into nearby Boston port and surrounding countryside was on alert. Intelligence said that invasion of British forces was imminent. The Minutemen were waiting to know if by land or by sea.
In the dark of night of night came the news through riders, the famous ride of Paul Revere being a key alarm. John Hancock had been staying at The Buckman Tavern. He left before the arrival of the British.
As Revere later wrote, one of his charges was to retrieve valuable documents Hancock had left in a trunk in The Buckman Tavern. Despite being held for some hours by the British on the road from Boston and the British troops milling through the countryside, Revere successfully completed this mission.
Shot Heard Round the World
True to the alarm, the British came. The forewarned Minutemen met them at Lexington green and the Concord bridge and stood their ground. The shots exchanged broadcast the famous “shot heard round the world.” Had there been any doubts before, the die for war against Britain was now cast.
The Buckman Tavern stood witness on Lexington green. The first British round retreated to take over The Munroe Tavern, later to be reinforced there by British Brigadier General Percy’s 1000 troops.
The Buckman Tavern Today
The Buckman Tavern survived the following centuries to be restored today to commemorate its historical place in American history. The original front door with its bullet holes is on display along with other memorabilia and the story of its place in history. The Lexington Historical Society provides a wealth of interesting information for visitors.
One visitor recently wrote: “The Buckman Tavern is as close to stepping back into the Revolutionary period as you can get. It's filled with original artifacts from that time period and the guided narrative tour is both educational and entertaining.” (TripAdvisor.com)
In visiting The Buckman Tavern, one should remember that its historical significance far exceeds one day’s fateful skirmish. This stately old inn dates back to the earliest days of colonial settlement.
In its prime location on Lexington green, The Buckman Tavern saw the passage of many famous persons and those who are unknown, all of whom had an important role in forging a new nation. To remember them and better understand American history as an exciting, living event is well worth the visit.
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