Stories Behind Lexington Street Names

Did you know that the names of Lexington’s streets have a history? From older colonial influences, Revolutionary heroes, and nature, each Lexington street has its own story. 

Who was the Town of Lexington Named After?

Before we can explore the significance behind Lexington street names, we must determine who the town of Lexington was named after. While one theory states it was named after Laxton, Nottinghamshire, UK, another theory says the town was named after Robert Sutton, otherwise known as Lord Lexington, who might have had a relation to the governor of Massachusetts when the town was incorporated.  

Began with Colonial Influences

Lexington was originally known as a farming town in the 17th century, and Massachusetts Avenue was initially called Main Street. It served as the primary street for travel and the location for the Lexington meeting house. The street connected towns like Cambridge and Concord and became the prime location for important sites like the Munroe and Buckman Taverns.

Inspired by Revolutionary Heroes

April 19, 1775, in Lexington, MA, marked the beginning of the American Revolution. There are many streets in Lexington named after Revolutionary heroes, including:

• Revere Street is named after the famous Paul Revere, who rode on horseback to warn colonists of the British troops.
• Parker Street is named after Captain John Parker, the commander of the Lexington militia during the Battle of Lexington. 
• Hancock Street is named after John Hancock, a clergyman and Patriot who was a key figure in America’s fight for independence and the first signer of the Declaration of Independence. You can also find the famous Hancock-Clarke House right on Hancock Street.

Includes Nature Influences 

Some of Lexington’s street names reflect the town’s historical connection to the natural environment. Formerly known as “Cambridge Farms,” the town’s names are often based on trees or other forms of vegetation found in the area, such as Fair Oaks Drive and Maple Street. 

Vine Brook is one of the best-known water features in Lexington and also lends itself as a street name for the town. As an important tributary of the Shawsheen River, this brook flows from a public park at Marrett Road in Lexington and continues through Burlington and Bedford. Vine Brook Road in Lexington is home to many residential homes today.

Planning a trip to Lexington and want to find out what’s on the streets of downtown? Visit our site at https://www.tourlexington.us/ and look for our “Plan Your Trip” interactive map.