Historical Sites to Visit in Lexington
January 21, 2025
The town of Lexington is full of historical landmarks waiting to be explored. Here are just four to see on your next visit.
The Lexington Depot
The Lexington Depot opened its doors in 1846 as part of the Lexington and West Cambridge Railroad and later the MBTA. At one point, as many as 19 trains stopped here every day to transport passengers to and from Boston. However, in January 1977, a snowstorm shut down the Lexington Branch, and the MBTA announced the end of its service there.
Why Visit the Lexington Depot?
This former railroad station has deep ties to Lexington’s history and is part of the Historic District which includes landmarks like the Lexington Battle Green, Minuteman Statue, and Buckman Tavern. In April 2025, the Lexington Depot will open as a museum, acting as an exhibition and education space that includes the history of Lexington’s pre-colonial times to the present day.
Minuteman Statue
The Minuteman Statue is a life-size bronze figure of a colonial farmer holding a musket. You’ll find this sculpture at the southeast corner of the Lexington Battle Green which was previously home to a drinking fountain for men, horses, cattle, and dogs. Sculpted by artist Henry H. Kitson, the statue was unveiled on April 19, 1900, to commemorate the 125th anniversary of the Battle of Lexington.
Why Visit the Minuteman Statue?
The Minuteman Statue holds a lot of historical significance. It marks the first battle of the American Revolution while honoring the Minutemen who fought against the British. Visiting this statue allows you to reflect on the bravery of all those who fought for America’s independence during that time. Plus, the monument is beautifully crafted of bronze and is in the beautiful scenic location of the Lexington Battle Green.
Lexington Battle Green
The Lexington Battle Green is where the Battle of Lexington first took place on the morning of April 19, 1775. Leader of the Lexington militia Captain John Parker lined up his men on the green while British Regulars approached. In this first battle, 77 militiamen fought against hundreds of British soldiers, and eight militiamen were killed and seven were wounded.
Why Visit the Lexington Battle Green?
This was the site where the famous “shot heard ’round the world” was fired. Plus, you’ll find another important site, the Minuteman Statue, right in the same place! Every Patriots’ Day the town of Lexington commemorates the Battles of Lexington and Concord by reenacting the battle, holding parades, and hosting ceremonies on the Lexington Battle Green. This park is also a great starting place for a nice walk to several more historical sites nearby.
The Belfry
The Belfry was built in 1762 on Belfry Hill, and the bell was used to summon people to worship, warn them of danger, and commemorate deaths. The bell’s location has changed several times. In 1768, it was moved from Belfry Hill to the Lexington Battle Green. In 1909 when a hurricane destroyed the bell, the Lexington Historical Society created a replica and placed it on the bell’s original site on Belfry Hill.
Why Visit?
The Belfry was a significant landmark during the Battles of Lexington and Concord. On the morning of April 19, 1775, the bell rang to alert local militiamen that “The Regulars are out,” meaning that the British were on their way. Who knows if the militiamen would have been prepared to face the British soldiers if the bell had not sounded the alarm? Plus, the bell’s architecture honors its 18th-century roots and is located in the Lexington common, surrounded by other historical landmarks, shops, and restaurants.
Explore some of these sites today on your own or sign up for a Lexington Tour (which starts back up in the spring).
