A Journey through Lexington, MA History
July 24, 2024
Lexington, MA is a town that is filled with history. Since its beginnings in 1642, Lexington has adapted to various political and social climates. Take a quick journey down Lexington’s memory lane to discover more about this town rooted in American history.
The First Settlers Arrived in 1642
The Town of Lexington was first settled in 1642 as a farming community. During the 1600s, Lexington’s land was granted and sold to different proprietors who lived in Cambridge. Because of this, the Town was originally called Cambridge North Precinct. However, in 1713, Lexington was incorporated as a town.
1775 Marked the Beginning of the American Revolution
At midnight on April 18, 1775, Paul Revere rode into town; he stopped at the Hancock-Clarke House to warn John Hancock and Samuel Adams that the British troops were approaching. Around 4:30 a.m., 70 American militiamen marched towards the Lexington Common, waiting for the British troops. Once 5:00 a.m. hit, the British troops marched into Lexington while on their way to Concord. The American militiamen and British troops engaged in gunfire, marking the start of the Battles of Lexington and Concord. The British troops marched towards Concord, where they were met with more militiamen; they then retreated back to Boston.
Lexington’s Growth Throughout the Years
Lexington has gone through significant changes since its settlement in 1642. The Munroe Tavern, a temporary hospital for British Brigadier General Earl Percy and his 1,000 reinforcements, was built in 1735. The Hancock-Clarke House was built in 1775; here is where Paul Revere stopped to warn John Hancock and Samuel Adams that the British were coming. In 1906, the famous Cary Memorial Library was built and now includes 350,000 items across print and digital formats.
Now Lexington is a bustling town filled with restaurants, shopping, arts, culture, and outdoor activities. Visit Lexington today and learn more about our town’s history by stopping by the Visitors Center or going on a tour.
