Not 10 minutes outside of Anchorage, traveling south on the Seward Highway, there is a small building touted as the Chugach State Park Headquarters. Just next to it are a couple train cars, partially visible from the road.
Most of these train cars’ history takes place along the Turnagain Arm (so named by Captain Cook, who had to turn again to exit). This site has an absolutely incredible view of the waterway. On a clear day, the two cars have an unobstructed view of the Kenai Mountains, and even the Alaska Range across the Cook Inlet.
One car is a gigantic black and red snowplow, while the other is a white sleeper car turned kitchen car.
The Sleeper Car that is Now a Kitchen Car
The snowplow and its massive blades were used when avalanches covered tracks in cement-like snow, an occurrence not uncommon to the tracks along Turnagain Arm.
With its small building shut down due to virus precautions, this site doesn’t look like many turn off the highway to see it. There is a collection of old and new signs describing the history of the place, some of which are almost illegible.
The first two signs read:
“ROTARY SNOWPLOW: These plows with 9 foot circular rotor blades were used by the Alaska Railroad to clear the snow clogged tracks … Turnagain Arm and through the Kenai Mountains………”
“OUTFIT CAR: Railroad car 1500e started its life as a troop sleeping car during World War II. After the War the sleeper was converted for use as a kitchen car.”
The first railroad in Alaska was started in 1903 by the Alaska Central Railway. However, they only laid 50 miles of track traveling north out of Seward, its origin point.
After bankruptcy in 1908, the company reorganized as the Alaska Northern Railway Co. Their second attempt only brought the railroad 21 miles farther to Kern Creek, just short of Girdwood, Alaska.
In 1914, the U.S. Federal Government approved funding for a railroad from Seward to Fairbanks, with an estimated cost of $35 million.
It took eight years to finish construction of the 478 miles of track. After completion, the federal government ran railroad operations, but the project was unprofitable.
In 1930, Seward, Fairbanks, and Anchorage combined only had a population of 5,400 – not enough to allow for steady rail business.
However, under new leadership, the Alaska Railroad beings to profit in 1938. And during WWII, profits soared as the trains transported civilian and military supplies.
Railroad ownership switched from the federal government to the State of Alaska in 1983. Over the next 26 years, the railroad’s value increased over $830 million dollars!
Now, the Alaska Railroad’s blue and gold cars are signature Alaskan – a symbol of pride for residents of the Last Frontier.
Looking Towards the Turnagain Arm from a Platform Behind the Train
Many thanks to the Alaska Railroad website and the Chugach State Park signage!
The Alaska Railroad shows a record profit of $8.0 million, surpassing the previous record profit of $7.90 million in 1995. Passenger ridership grows to 512,000. Former Governor Bill Sheffield becomes CEO and President of the Alaska Railroad and John Binkley is named Chairman of the Board of Directors.
Hoofbeats pounded up the wet road lined with a small crowd in the grey dawn. Coming closer, you could hear the rider crying out, “The Regulars are coming! The Regulars are coming!” Then came the faint sounds of fifes and drums, signaling the British army was not far behind.
Last year, in Massachusetts, my sister, friend, and myself celebrated Patriots’ Day with numerous historical activities. We woke up at 3:30 am to be in Lexington for the 5:30 am reenactment of the Battle of Lexington where the “Shot Heard ‘Round the World” was fired. Later we marched with the Sudbury Minutemen along the same route the original company would have taken to join the fight. With high hopes I declared I would definitely be doing it all again next year.
But a few events put a crimp in those plans. First of all, moving across the country. Secondly, being required to quarantine for two weeks on either end of traveling. So the festivities were a bit different than I had imagined, but still enjoyable nonetheless.
Lexington Green, Patriots’ Day 2019
To commemorate the special day, my sister and I decided to walk the Tony Knowles Coastal Trail, which runs about 11 miles along the northern coastline of Anchorage, Alaska. The distance was approximately equal to the march we did with the Sudbury Minutemen last year. To note, the Sudbury Minutemen march on every April 19th early in the morning, in order to coincide with the exact date and time of the 1775 events. However, we walked on Monday the 20th, which is the official holiday of Patriots’ Day. We also left our starting line a little later than 2019’s 6:30 am.
Beginning of the Trail on the North Side of Anchorage
We arrived at the railroad depot just north of downtown Anchorage at 7:45am. Never before had we walked the entire Tony Knowles Trail from start to finish. With many access points, we had often walked short segments of the trail near significant city parks.
As we walked, we decided to wish any and all passersby a ‘Happy Patriots’ Day.’ Judging from their responses, none of them had the least idea of what we were talking about.
Patriots’ Day honors the first official battles of the American Revolution: Lexington and Concord. British soldiers marched out from Boston in the wee hours of the night, aiming to confiscate a store of ammunition located in Concord, Massachusetts. Revolutionaries spread the word of their impending arrival (the midnight ride of Paul Revere, anyone? – though Revere wasn’t the only one).
When the Redcoats reached Lexington in the early morning, a few brave souls stood on the green (common land in the center of town), defying the soldiers’ advance. A shot – to this day no one knows from which side it came– was fired. Within moments, eight colonists were dead or dying, and the British marched on.
As my sister and I marched, we paused at the planet stations placed strategically along the path. An Anchorage highschool student devised this clever “Planet Walk.” Signs representing the planets are positioned in order, radiating out from a sun sculpture in downtown Anchorage. Each intervening distance is calculated to equate to the light speed distance actually between them. Now pedestrians can stroll along at light speed. Apparently we were walking faster than light speed, because we completed the trail in just over 4 hours, instead of the predicted 5.5 hours.
The Planets I Remembered to Photograph (the Sun is Located in Downtown)
The second battle on April 19, 1775 took place in Concord. Upon their arrival, the Redcoats began burning supplies and cannons gathered by the colonists. From a hill vantage point, 400 minute men and militia saw the smoke and believed the town was being burned. They advanced on the town’s North Bridge, which was guarded by 96 British Soldiers, who fired upon them. The colonists shot back. Five fell dead and more were wounded.
But the exhausting day was nowhere near finished yet.
We stopped for a brief break at the Earthquake Park overlook point. This park is a crazy testament to the total upheaval of earth that takes place during earthquakes. Signs illustrate how the steep drop-offs and jutting hills you now see were all creating during Alaska’s 1964 Good Friday quake.
Not long afterwards, we reached Point Woronzoff, a park and beach that sits at the foot of the airport runway. We watched several planes take off directly overhead including the one videoed below. In the summer, we’ve enjoyed coming here to walk the steep path down to the muddy beach.
Plane Takes Off Over Point Woronzoff Park
The British began their march back to Boston. However, unbeknownst to them, more and more minutemen and militia from the surrounding country began to congregate around their return route. The first ambush waited one mile outside of Concord, at Meriam’s Corner. Subsequent attacks took place at Brooks Hill and the Bloody Angle in addition to other skirmishes, creating a “running 16-mile-long battle,” according to Minuteman National Park’s webpage on “Battle Site Explorations.”
Our views were a bit different from those the Redcoats and colonists traveled through 245 years ago. 🙂 In the photos you can see the infamous mudflats, with some snow still lingering on top. The day was pretty cloudy and foggy; on clear days there are mountains visible in the distance.
Views of Cook Inlet From the Trail
Later that fateful day, the British were met by reinforcements as well, but not nearly as many as the colonists. The book, Reporting the Revolution by Todd Andrlik, says that “by the end of the day, almost 3,800 militiamen had seen action against about 1,500 regulars. More than 270 British were left dead, wounded, or missing; for the Americans, only ninety-four.” Keep in mind that these Redcoat soldiers had been up all through the night!
Our destination, the 10.5 mile-marker in Kincaid Park, was met with excitement, though I’m sure not nearly as much as the British must have felt upon reaching Boston. We only took just over four hours to make our goal, but the British had already been traveling for hours when they reached Lexington at 5:30am. Then they fought all through the day.
April 19th marked the official outbreak of the American War for Independence that had been brewing for years. Many men lost their lives that day in defense of their rights. We would do well to remember what has been sacrificed by others for our benefit, and to follow their example of standing up against injustice. Here’s to next Patriots’ Day!
Our Final Mile Marker
The Tony Knowles Trail is an amazing resource, whether you’re visiting Anchorage for the first time, or have lived here for 20 years. Make sure to check out their website and take a “light speed” walk through Anchorage 🙂
The Minuteman National park has awesome online resources! Check out their website, YouTube channel, and FaceBook page for Patriots’ Day activities and more.
Annually on April 19, the Sudbury Companies of Militia and Minute march from Sudbury Center to the Old North Bridge in Concord, Massachusetts. This event reenacts and commemorates the mission of our forefathers who did the same on April 19, 1775, at the start of the American Revolution.
Todd Andrlik is the founding editor of Journal of the American Revolution , as well as author/editor of Reporting the Revolutionary War: Before It Was History, It Was News (Sourcebooks, 2012), named one of the Best Books of 2012 by Barnes & Noble and Best American Revolution Book of the Year by the New York American Revolution Round Table.
Flashback to last October, on Massachusetts’ North Shore: Ipswich, not far from the New Hampshire border, is a gem of natural and historical sites. We drove (approximately a two hour drive from Boston) with the intention of visiting the famously beautiful Castle Hill on the Crane Estate. However, when we arrived, the gate was shut. The park was closed in order to clean up trees that had fallen in a recent wind storm. But we were determined to still enjoy Ipswich, and we most certainly did.
Looking Back Towards the Beach Parking Lot
The View Along the Beach
A park employee, advised us to drive to the nearby – and apparently popular – Crane Beach. The day was sunny, windy, and bone-chilling, but the beach was magnificent. Sand dunes speckled with brush spilled toward the water, where the water thrashed in the wind. Islands and promontories were visible, and marshes spread out on our right.
If we peered closely at the hill behind us, the mansion was just visible in a clearing of the trees. So, other than opulent beauty, what makes the Crane Estate such a cool place to visit? First, there’s a wonderful beach nearby, but the Trustees (the organization in charge), list several other reasons.
Fun Fact: the Crane Estate was used for scenes of Europe in the 2019 movie, Little Women.
Look Closely – the Estate Lies on the Hill’s Left
To start, Castle Hill and Castle Neck were first owned by John Winthrop, the first governor of Massachusetts, beginning in 1637. Two centuries later, the estate was bought by the Brown family. They added roadways and planned plantings to the property. They also renovated what was a farmhouse into the so-called “cottage.”
But in 1910, Richard T. Crane Jr. purchased the land and determined to change it dramatically. Crane was a wealthy industrialist from Chicago, who owned a company manufacturing valves, pumps, and bathroom pieces. He used his wealth extravagantly. The property was landscaped, and even included a completely-functioning farm.
The most striking of the estate’s new features was the house. At first, the Cranes built an Italian-style villa, which was finished in 1912. But they soon changed their minds, and had an English-style mansion constructed in its place! With 59-rooms, it must be impressive.
However, even though we didn’t get a chance to view this monstrous palace up close, now it’s just an excuse to go back. After our fun at Crane beach, it was time for lunch, so we drove into the downtown of Ipswich.
The Town Hall
The Visitor Center
We elected to dine at the Heart and Soul Cafe, a warm, tasty little restaurant right in the center of town. Once we had filled up on a delicious salad, pancakes, and a burger, we set out to walk around. We had passed by a tiny old bridge, visitor center, museums, and cute shops. Unfortunately, I didn’t snap a photo of the streets downtown, but you’ll have to believe me that it was a perfect example of a quaint, bustling New England town.
Everywhere there were signposts and plaques revealing the history of the town. The Visitor Center had some great signs about the Essex Coastal Scenic Byway, which is huge, with a lot of places to discover. Zoom in on the photos below to see for yourself 🙂
The Choate Bridge, originally completed in 1764, and a small dam crossed over the Ipswich River, which runs right by the downtown. There was also a fish ladder nearby.
View from the Bridge
A pamphlet we picked up at the Visitor Center listed all the First Period (before 1725) Homes in Ipswich. A great idea! Though designed to be a walking guide and map, we used it to drive past a bunch of houses before we headed home. This one town has 60 First Period Homes! And there are 46 listed on the map.
We briefly walked around the John Whipple House. But it was closed at the moment, along with the Ipswich Museum, which lay right across the street. Judging from their website however, I’m sure they’d both be interesting to go inside.
A First Period Home
The Ipswich Museum
The John Whipple House
So. I most definitely would like to return to Ipswich, and I hope you’d like to go too. There’s so much more that we didn’t even get to last time. I’m sure you could make a very full day out of everything. And even if you can’t – or don’t want to – go to the Castle Hill on the Crane Estate, there’s plenty to do that is fun and doesn’t even cost a penny.
Experience the grandeur of a seaside estate and its marvelously landscaped grounds, notable for a broad, undulating lawn running down to the shore. What makes Castle Hill a special place? Centuries before becoming a grand summer estate owned by one of America’s wealthiest families, Castle Hill was well known by Native Americans, who called the area Agawam, referring to its rich fishery.
The Ipswich Museum offers an array of exciting lectures, exhibits and classes that are open to the public. Check back throughout the year for the most up to date list of events.
When was the last time you saw a rotting barn? If you live in New England, chances are it wasn’t very long ago. Last September, I had the chance to step inside six unique barns in Harvard, Massachusetts. But none of them were rotting. In fact, they were all great examples of barns that have been preserved, reused, and repurposed over the years.
The Harvard Historical Society partnered with six owners throughout the town who were willing to open their barns to the public. Planned out well, the tour was self-led, with reenactors, local businesses and artists stationed at each barn. We received a map and an information booklet in the center of town, which directed us to the various barn locations. The day was sunny and warm, perfect for walking around outside from site to site.
Atherton Barn
The Atherton Barn was a beautiful barn and contained a lot of eclectic antiques. However, for some reason, I neglected to capture a photo of the barn’s exterior.
Most of the barn that stands today was built in 1792 to replace an earlier barn. The barn was first used by the Atherton Tavern and Inn as a carriage house. Later on, it switched hands to the Congregational Church, and became the parsonage for the town minister.
Its current owner totally rebuilt the right side of the barn, adding in heat and A/C. An incredible woven staircase leads to the second floor, complete with a “coffin corner” for carrying large items upstairs.
The Woven Staircase
On the second floor is a vintage hang-out room, and a room used for the Underground Railroad! The barn houses many antiques and vintage memorabilia, including the Harvard Historical Society’s apple sorter.
For the event, Westward Orchards offered donuts and apples, and a wonderful ukulele band strummed outside.
Deacon Isaac Stone Barn
(House is in the Foreground, the Barn is Sporting Solar Panels)
“Make sure you take a look at the toilet!” That was the advice we received upon arrival at this barn. As you may have guessed from his name, former barn owner Isaac Stone was a stonecutter. Built sometime in the mid- to late- 1700s, the barn has an English structure, mainly characterized by the large doors opening on the long side. Out of its four stories, we were only able to explore two.
The main floor split into several spaces that were partitioned off. One of these was the noteworthy “two holer” toilet. The current owner is proud of the curiosity, as he has restored it over the years.
The Two Holer
The Workshop Foundation
Modern Stonecutter
Through the Hole
Through the duel openings, you have a view to the basement, and the gravestone that lies beneath (slightly sacrilegious? 😛 ). Cracked into multiple pieces, the headstone belongs to Jerome Farnsworth, who died at the age of nineteen years, nine months, and nine days. A replacement gravestone was probably made after this one cracked, and that is why this one was left in the basement.
The craftsman behind the engraving was likely Isaac Stone. Behind the barn, you can still see the foundation of Stone’s workshop. In fact, the workshop itself was still standing up until the 1950s. To commemorate the former owner’s trade, the event planners had a modern day stonecutter working in the yard. With his electric tools, he carved a piece of art over the course of the day for an auction that night.
The Great Elms Barn
This is a million dollar story – in more ways than one. Unique and expensive, the Great Elms Barn was completely disassembled from its original location and then reassembled piece by piece into its present form. And it’s huge!
For this barn, we had already had a backstory: the Harvard Historical Society had previously hosted a presentation by the owner detailing the laborious process of barn deconstruction and re-raising. Will Stevenson showed photos of the barn which had been left to deteriorate, and was now slated for demolition.
Determined to fulfill his dream of owning an old barn, Stevenson bought the barn. He and a team worked to meticulously disassemble the entire barn, labeling every piece as they went.
Once they had built a foundation on their own property, they transported the wood across town and began the process of rebuilding. To the original parts, they added a new roof and siding, along with a second cupola for ventilation. In all, the project took a full year.
Now friends and neighbors take advantage of the space in the winter to store any and every sort of recreational vehicle and equipment. The barn’s ample space can handle it all. But the darkened, vast beams, and multiple sets of coded numbering remind you that the barn has seen many other uses for a long time back.
The Turner Barn
The Front of the Turner Barn
The Turner Barn was built for cows. In 1849, Rebecca Turner recorded in her diary the dates of the barn construction and raising. She and her husband, Oliver, had purchased the farm the year prior. Their new barn reused some beams from a barn across the street, and was lined with cattle stalls.
In the photo’s bottom left, you can just see the lower-level entrance where the cows could enter the barn. Here, the stone steps are well-worn from all the traffic they received.
A benefit of the Turner’s location, for them and their cattle, was water. Underground springs flowed down Prospect Hill, where the Turners tapped into them, funneling water through the barn’s basement.
To the south, a spring house piped more water back to the house, where it was stored in copper vats and a cistern. The Turners had running water inside, and flushing toilets upstairs.
Inside, the barn was more divided than the others we saw that day, so the middle hallway was narrower. But in the separate sections, there was a woodworker, a maple sugarer, an artist, and a reenactor. So there was a lot to see, talk about, and taste. 🙂
The Sawyer Barn
I really liked how the Sawyer barn looked; its exterior was particularly picturesque, especially with its flourishing garden out back. Built in 1850, likely by Jabez Sawyer, the barn has three floors. Its unique main door has rollers on the bottom instead of the top, which was traditional.
Set on a small hill, a stone ramp – now covered in grass – leads up to the barn’s main doors. The basement lies open to the outside on the lower left side. Here, a staircase to nowhere was the barn’s claim to fame. Also back and to the right, a garden is planted, where a local beekeeper was stationed with his honey and herbs. A 1700s Sawyer farmhouse stands to its left.
The Basement
The Garden
Like the Turner Barn, this barn had a narrower middle hall, bordered by partitions. However, it was the only barn to currently house a horse, Dexter, and his stall was apparent along one wall. Long logs made up the beams, along with two that were joined together with only a dovetail. Intricate metalworked pieces by Babacool Arts hung in the hallway, and a reenactor related stories from her childhood.
The Reedich Barn
The Reedich Barn, Entrance to Upper Floor is on the Side
The Reedich Barn was given as an impressive example of what a completely modern barn can look like, and the functions it can serve in a non-agrarian society. Originally intended to store recreational vehicles, upon completion the barn was deemed too nice for that purpose. So the family opted to add in a few more homey features to create a barn-style, luxury hang-out space and work area.
The top floor included a loft, tiny kitchen, and living room. Downstairs had more of a garage feeling, with its expansive doors and workshop. An atypical garage feature, however, was the large home-brewing set-up in the corner. Also, I thought it was pretty cool that there was a hidden driveway under the grass (no more sinking into the muddy grass I guess).
The Harvard Barn-to-Barn Tour was great! Getting to see inside what would otherwise be private barns was special and interesting. The Harvard Historical Society did an excellent job involving the community in its production: gathering local artists, craftsmen, farmers, and businesses to decorate and advocate at each barn. It really felt like a community affair. The only thing that would complete the feeling of an inclusive community, would be a lower ticket price. That way, a better representation of the surrounding community can enjoy the tour. If they have it again next year, I hope you can go!
The Harvard Historical Society, located at 215 Still River Road, is committed to preserving Harvard’s past for Harvard’s future and to helping you discover your town through educational and cultural programming that connects to our history. We are a private, not-for-profit organization that relies on membership and donations to maintain our buildings and our collections…
For even more pictures, go to the Harvard Historical Society’s website.
Thanks to the 260 tour-goers, 30 volunteers, 11 artisans, 11 food vendors, 14 performers and, 12 barn owners, the Barn To Barn Tour was a fantastic success. Here are a few pictures of the great day…
Looking back from our slushy February present, Thanksgiving seems already in the distant past. However, there’s no time like the present to remember our cozy holiday feasting – and of course, the history behind it.
If you’re like most people, amidst all the turkey, family, and football, you might briefly consider the Pilgrims and their role in the holiday. You can picture them: clad in black, eating popcorn, and wearing buckles on every article of clothing. Right beside them stand a couple Natives, wearing giant, feathered headdresses. But that image is totally wrong.
There is a lot more to this determined group of people. Their story is different in many ways from the one popularized in advertising. We perhaps give them too much credit for the establishment of Thanksgiving, but their story is important .
Fast facts:
The Pilgrims liked to wear colors
Their feast was by no means the first
A 17th century feast would have looked quite different from ours
Those headdresses are from the wrong place
The Pilgrims are often portrayed in black. At that time, black was one of the most expensive dyes, because it was difficult to obtain. So it makes sense that everyday clothes wouldn’t be black. In fact, garments were many different colors – anything made from natural dyes. The colors just faded faster without the modern chemicals we have today.
And those buckles? Fifty years too early – at least. Buckles were in fashion at the end of the 17th century. So their low, leather shoes were tied with string, not buckles. Instead of buckles on their hats, they were graced with multi-colored cloth cords.
Women Baking Cheate Bread for the Week
Fun Fact: there are two correct spellings when referring to the place the Pilgrims settled. If you are referring to the modern-day town in Massachusetts, it’s “Plymouth.” If instead you mean the colony, or the museum, the spelling is “Plimoth.” This is because William Bradford, one of the Mayflower Passengers, used this spelling in his book, Of Plimoth Plantation.
Another common myth is that the Pilgrims instituted the “First Thanksgiving.” Contrary to popular belief, this sort of harvest festival had been going on for centuries. When food was gathered in, feasts were had and participants gave thanks for their bounty.
Finally, the food. We place our modern ideas of old feasts in place of the actual reality. The Wamponoags did bring deer to the feast, but you would not have found deer hanging unskinned by the fetlocks over a fire. Squash would have been present, but not in the super-sugary pie form we know today. Corn would definitely have graced the table, but likely in porridge or corn cakes. Apples, pears, and potatoes would not have been on the menu since the colonists hadn’t grown these yet and they are not native to New England.
Plimoth’s English Village
Visiting Plimoth Plantation is awesome. The museum has done an amazing job of transporting that slice of Massachusetts back in time. The Wampanoag Site is actually right against the water, and while we were visiting the interpreters were working on burning out the largest log they had ever done. They were demonstrating a traditional craft of making canoes out of a single tree. Small smoldering fires are kept burning along the top center of the log. The tree is gradually hollowed out this way, but it takes skill to ensure the wood doesn’t burn too much.
In the Craft Center at Plimoth Plantation there was a man creating traditional headdresses with ancient techniques. Unlike the ones depicted in popular drawings, these headdresses were smaller and sat on the back of the head. The giant feathered headdresses are a type that would’ve been worn by Plains Indians. Native groups in New England used porcupine quills dyed bright colors with natural dyes.
There is so much more to learn about the pilgrims! Their beliefs, goals, struggles, and mistakes are a whole other subject. But hopefully finding out about some of the common misconceptions surrounding their food and clothing makes it obvious that the pilgrims are “more than meets the eye.” 🙂
Plimoth’s website has some awesome information and opportunities! And I never want to have a Thanksgiving go by without having the Thanksgiving Primer to refer too:)
Every day we learn something new. Isn’t it time to learn something old? Learn how your family can sleep in a Pilgrim house, how kids can spend a week this summer learning about the Wampanoag, or how you can invite a Pilgrim or Native museum teacher to your classroom.
Prepared by our Research Department, this useful and interesting booklet incorporates the latest findings about the physical and spiritual world of the Pilgrims. Includes a menu and period recipes as well as an extensive section on wardrobe and appropriate 20th-century substitutions. Illustrated.
“The Thanksgiving Primer.” Plimoth Plantation Publication (1991).
Row of Historical Buildings – Oldest Tavern in America on Right
If you read last week’s post, you already have a good idea of what the Freedom Trail entails. A friend and I were whisked along by a tour guide from the Freedom Trail Foundation. We enjoyed his passionate storytelling so much, that we decided to purchase tickets for the second half of the tour.
Note: these tours are perfectly interesting as stand-alone activities! So if you’re not up for as much walking, or don’t have as much time, I would recommend the standard Walk Into History tour is a great option. (The North End Tour definitely covered less ground than the first, as the more distant Charlestown sites aren’t included.)
After a stop across from the Revere house, we walked to the Old North Church. From its steeple Robert Newman lit the two lanterns on the infamous night in April, 1775. Unfortunately, Redcoats saw those warning lanterns too. The outline of a bricked-in window is still visible where Newman supposedly escaped from on his way out of the church tower.
Statue of Paul Revere
At the base of Old North Church is a small shop where you can witness the laborious process of 18th century chocolate making. Take a peek! The cacao seeds are ground against a semi-J-shaped stone board. Eventually they yield a soft chocolaty paste that would taste absolutely horrible without sugar. And if you want, you can buy a little bag of historical chocolate, yum!
Our last stop was the Copps Hill Burying Ground. There a gravestone with bullet marks reminds you that this wasn’t always a peaceful place. Up a hill (surprise!), the burying ground is quiet and once overlooked the water, but trees and houses now block the view.
Once Thomas/Crean wrapped up the tour, we were on our own. The Freedom Trail Foundation doesn’t provide tours for the Charlestown portion of the trail since there are only two stops there. However, we were in for the long haul.
On our way over, we stumbled across a small park. In its center was a stone outline of an old structure. A signboard nearby distinguished it as the Great House/Three Cranes Tavern.
Small inset metal signs label the various parts of the house: kitchen, front door, post hole. The archaeological dig that led to its discovery was interesting. Crazy how history is everywhere – this wasn’t on the Freedom Trail.
Our next stop was the Bunker Hill Monument. But before we braved the stairs, we explored its museum. Located just across the street, this (air-conditioned) space is run by the National Park Service. It’s a great stop to learn some fun facts about the monument–a contest was even held for the design, and there are drawings of the rejected ideas.
Map of Boston: Dark Grey Indicates Man-made Land
There are two floors of exhibits. My favorite part was a map of Boston. Lit from the back, you could see which parts of the city have been filled in by humans. Pretty incredible! Boston looked totally different 250 years ago. The Boston Neck, on the left of the map, is completely nonexistent now, but made it easy to control who came and went during the occupation of Boston.
Refreshed, we started across the street after refilling our water bottle. If you get easily claustrophobic or dizzy, I don’t recommend ascending the Bunker Hill Monument. Even though there are a lot of stairs, the view at the top is totally worth it. Plus, you get to brag that you made it to the top ;P
The Bunker Hill Monument
After our climb, we walked to our final stop: the USS Constitution and museum. The famous ship, nicknamed Old Ironsides, sits in the Boston Harbor and its museum is very interactive. There were tons of unique exhibits, like building a digital battleship that is both fast and strong. The museum is especially great for groups with kids – but no less interesting for adults.
Don’t forget to actually go on the ship itself! It’s hard to imagine spending long stints of time in the low-ceilinged quarters below decks, but the craftsmanship on board is wonderful. Exploring the ship gives you a real glimpse of what it must’ve been like to live and fight on board.
Belowdecks on the USS Constitution
Note: if you’re heading home using the train system, there’s a T station within close walking distance of the USS Constitution.
I’m so glad I was able to walk the entire freedom trail! It’s a great way to see Boston and definitely can be an all day event.
Before you go, make sure you download the app! There are lots of resources to make the excursion as inexpensive as you like. The Freedom Trail should be on your bucket list whether you’re a resident or tourist: you really get to know the history of Boston through it.
Boston National Historical Park Massachusetts Discover how one city could be the Cradle of Liberty, site of the first major battle of American Revolution, and home to many who espoused that freedom can be extended to all. Plan your visit to a city with over three centuries of revolution.
The Freedom Trail is a unique collection of museums, churches, meeting houses, burying grounds, parks, a ship, and historic markers that tell the story of the American Revolution and beyond. Freedom Trail Sites The Freedom Trail Foundation’s most popular tour highlights the revolutionary history that took place at 11 of the 16 official Freedom Trail historic sites.
For more than 120 years, Boston’s leaders have met in this historic area of the city. It was home to Boston’s first public school attended by Ben Franklin, John Hancock, and Samuel Adams, and it served as City Hall for 38 mayors, including John Fitzgerald and James Curley.
Founded in 1722, Christ Church in the City of Boston, known as the Old North Church, is Boston’s oldest surviving church and most visited historical site.
The USS Constitution Museum has a suggested admission of: USS Constitution (the Ship) is free to visit and requires a photo I.D. for those 18 or older. Set sail for adventure and discover the history of “Old Ironsides” – the oldest commissioned warship afloat in the world – with interactive exhibits, hands-on programs, and a vast collection of artifacts that is fun for all ages.
New York City is a concentrated specimen of humanity. In it, both our accomplishments and downfalls are on full display. 8.2 million people are squished together into an area of about 300 square miles.
This was my first visit to the Big Apple; and I can tell I have only scratched the surface of what the city has to offer. New York City encompasses history both old and new, and I got to taste a little of each. Of course, not without a good dose of modern culture too.
Preview Points:
Many waves of NYC’s immigrants have lived in tenements.
We met a Holocaust survivor!
We didn’t take the standard boat ride to Ellis or Liberty Island. Instead we experienced an innovative museum in the Lower East Side of NYC.
The Tenement Museum
The Tenement Museum is by tour only. Unlike many museums, there is a wide variety of tours that you can take. Each one touches on a different aspect of the tenement. You can keep coming back and hear a unique story each time. I’m sure this model also makes more money for the museum.
What makes this tenement so special is that it’s a completely ordinary building. The structure survived exactly how it looked over 100 years ago. No major renovations and no total teardown.
Our tour guide started off by reminding us that history is something that is very much alive. What has happened in the past affects our lives now, and what is happening now is the history of the future. She encouraged us to ask questions, to make the tour less of a speech, and more of a dialogue.
The tour that still had tickets left (get them ahead of time!) was titled Shop Life. Focusing on the basement level of the tenement, we sat down inside what used to be shop space. We were to learn about three of the many families who did business there over the years.
A Little Germany lager shop was the first of many businesses to occupy the building. In places such as Bavaria and Hamburg, tiny bars served as the center of the community. All ages gathered there to eat, drink, and socialize–almost a neighborhood living room. The lager shop brought that tradition to their new home.
This neighborhood has been the initial landing spot for many waves of immigrants. Later on, the area flooded with Eastern Jews, and lager shops transformed into kosher butcher shops.
During the Depression era, the space was converted into an auction house. Later in its varied life, a lingerie shop operated in the tenement. (They even had a pair of underwear in a case!) In a sort of full circle, the descendants of Jewish immigrants owned the business. Today, the neighborhood is predominantly Latino.
We continued on our Jewish history trail with our next stop.
The Jewish Heritage Museum
One of the many prominent immigrant groups in New York are the Jews. I don’t think I’ve seen that many yarmulkes before, granted, I probably haven’t seen that many people before, so…. Anyways, we heard about the city’s Jewish Heritage Museum and a special, temporary Auschwitz exhibit they have right now.
When we arrived at the museum, we had completely underestimated how much time we would need. The staff told us that it would be a waste of money to spend less than two hours there. After some deliberation, we resolved to come back another time before the exhibit left.
But on the second floor, there is an Andy Goldsworthy art installation that is open to the public. Gathering our whole gang, we rode upstairs. As we did, my younger sister said that she had just met a survivor of the Holocaust! The woman was waiting for a school group to arrive, and struck up a conversation.
Exclaiming over what it would be like to talk to a survivor, we stepped outside to the installation where you could see the water. Nestled between the cement walls of the museum were large, irregular stones; and inside of each stone grew a small tree. Their tiny trunks sprouted from a single hole in the stones’ centers.
A description of the exhibit likened the holocaust to these objects: life can grow in the most inhospitable of places.
There was a sober hope about the place. Green, leafy trees flourish despite the grey surroundings. Through the glass barrier the Statue of Liberty stands in the distance. An interesting comparison.
When we returned inside, we saw the woman my sister had spoken to. She said she had loved talking with her, and felt an obligation now to tell her more. So she invited us all to listen to her story which she was about to give to a school group.
We thanked her, and took a seat. Her story was not the usual one. No concentration camps, gas chambers, and numbered nameless. However, the terror was no less.
Sally Engelberg Frishberg was born in Poland. She was very young when Hitler came to power, and war began to overtake Europe. Once Poland was occupied, real world news was difficult to find. The people of Poland lived in a bubble of restrictions.
One point that Sally made very clear was this: there is a big difference between Nazis, and Germans. Not all Germans were Nazis. Her father became friends with a German soldier who they were forced to house–that man, Mr. Arnold, was not a Nazi.
Notices for the inhabitants of her town during the occupation became progressively restrictive. Finally, a notice was posted that was only for Jews; it no longer referred to them as citizens.
When news came that all Jews should report to the train stations, Sally’s father refused. Others asked him why: the Germans promised better living conditions at the end of the journey–better everything. Sally’s father replied with a warning Mr. Arnold had given him. Don’t worry about the little lies; they are harmless. But when there are big lies, be scared.
“WE ALL NEED TO LEARN HOW TO GET ALONG.”
SALLY FRISHBERG
Sally’s father refused to go, and the entire Jewish community of their tiny village stayed with him. All except Sally’s grandfather, who called him crazy for his skepticism. He left on the trains, and the family never heard from him again.
Now Sally’s father said they needed to leave: the Germans wouldn’t find them at the trains, and they wouldn’t find them at their house. So Sally’s family, along with her maternal uncle’s family, fled. During the day, they hid inside haystacks, then moved on at night. The season was warm, and they were able to stay together.
One night, Sally’s mother and uncle heard a familiar whistle. Taking a risk, they emerged from their hiding place, hoping against hope it signaled help. It was. Their childhood friend was there. He told them that the Nazis would find them there–other Jews had been discovered then killed on the spot.
From that night on, this friend warned them of Nazi searches, and told them which places were safe. As the weather cooled, Sally’s mother begged him to build them a house of sorts to stay in. He couldn’t. All his tools had been confiscated. But he relented, and hid the families in his attic.
For two whole years, this man cared for the people living in his attic. Every day, he brought them food and disposed of their waste. At last, as Allied troops neared the house, the friend told them they would find safety if they entered Allied territory. They made their way to safety by crawling. After such a long confinement, their legs could no longer hold them.
“DON’T LET WRONG PASS YOU BY; IT WILL HIT THOSE YOU LOVE THE MOST.”
SALLY FRISHBERG
Listening to her firsthand account was gripping in a way that no book can be. If you ever have an opportunity to speak to someone who has actually experienced a historic event, do it. There’s no replacement.
~
New York City teems with things to see. From craning my neck to look at the skyscrapers, to the other world of the subway, the city has so much to experience. There’s the staircase-to-nowhere Vessel, tasty food practically everywhere you look, and art in so many formats.
Once I got over my slight feeling of claustrophobia, New York was stupendous!
The Tenement Museum’s website has some great resources! Check out their videos, articles, photos, and podcasts about immigration and America.
Neighborhood Walking Tours Discover often-forgotten places, unexplored spaces, and untold stories in a curated exploration of New York’s Lower East Side, a neighborhood that defined the immigrant experience. Tenement Apartment Tours Explore historically restored tenement buildings and discover how immigrants lived on New York’s Lower East Side in the 19 th and 20 th centuries.
This website has blog posts and moire detailing personal aspects of the Holocaust. A brief video on the exhibit is also available.
At first glance, the history of Texas appears immeasurably different from that of Massachusetts. Rugged outposts in the dessert full of ranchers, Spaniards, and Natives come to mind. But they too were a community persevering in difficult environments, who were partial to their independence. Not to be forgotten is the fact that many of the Alamo’s residents were from the eastern seaboard of the U.S. They grew up in 18th and 19th century New England, Virginia, and many other places.
The Battle of the Alamo took place March 6, 1836
David Crockett and James Bowie were both killed in the battle
The Alamo itself has had many different functions, from church to general store
Nowadays, the Alamo is certainly a bit of a tourist trap. Though the grounds are free, a long, albeit moving, line snakes under the trees and positions helpless guests for a requisite photo in front of the church (available in the gift shop).
Despite all that, its history is still there, and it’s important. Behind your pressured photo, the stonework surrounding the heavy wooden doorway is beautiful. Still visible are intricate carvings bordering windows, doors, and coating four columns. Then you step through the 3-foot thick walls into the cool interior.
Top of the Church’s Front Door
Above you, the vaulted ceilings are covered with a grid of circles. Each shallow hole in the plaster is perhaps fist-sized in diameter. Perhaps ironically, they represent the museum’s current dedication to the Alamo’s preservation.
Instigated by the concerning results of the Black Paper Project, a plan is now in place to identify and repair areas where deterioration is worst. The Black Paper Project was initiated when Alamo Conservator, Pamela Jary Rosser, noticed that the Alamo’s soft limestone walls were crumbling. She set out to determine how much, and how quickly the decay was occurring.
Black paper was placed at the foot of certain walls inside the Alamo’s church. Instructing staff not to clean the paper over the course of 600 days, meticulous records were kept of the accumulating debris.
Chart of the Limestone Loss
When the results came in, it was evident that preservation was required if the Alamo was to remain for many more generations. As part of the preservation process, a sort of MRI is being conducted on the entire church. The 3-D scan it creates will be used to determine where structural weaknesses lie, and which areas need the most help.
Though I actually took a photo before I noticed the sign, no photography was allowed inside the church. Even though you can’t see it, there are still some interesting features to discover.
For one, the floor. Made up of large irregular stones, the flooring fits right into the Alamo environment. They’re very worn, but don’t seem to date from the church’s earliest days. When I asked, my answer was that this flooring was installed in 1937. But if you noticed, the man said, some of the inner doorways are quite short. That’s because the foundation they poured in the ’30’s raised the floor level by 2 feet! One of the people I visited with had speculated that maybe it was because people were shorter then. This is just another reminder of how careful were must be when making assumptions about the past!
Two more features are the notched columns and 3-pronged metal items sticking out of the wall. Notched in the mid-1800’s when the building was used by the U.S. military, the columns served as support for a second story. Windows were even added, but the space remains one story today.
The artistically placed metal spikes are actually flag holders. However, as the integrity of the church has weakened, flags are no longer hung on the decorative prongs. One more thing, the arched roof that you see now was not there until after the Battle of the Alamo when it was added by the U.S. Army.
Once you exit the church, a courtyard with scattered buildings, lots of greenery, and a gift shop directly in front greets you. Even a tiny canal full of koi runs across the complex. But none of this was part of the original Alamo. Take a look at this map. In 1836, what comprised the Alamo is indicated by red.
Map of the Alamo
Looking at the map, I seem to have missed a majority of the grounds. After a quick peek through the gift shop (there are scorpion lollipops), I walked over to the living history encampment. One man was beating out a rhythm on a small drum, and I second man was seated by one of the canvas tents. This man informed me that he was dressed how the Alamo defenders would have been – no fancy military uniforms. In actuality, he said, he should have his coat on, because the gathered shirts were considered part of your underwear. That was because the shirts were long and would be worn to bed. Another group was ready to take their picture with the reenactor, so I stepped away.
Next I went to the exhibit hall. I wanted to find out what exactly the Battle of the Alamo was about. I remembered it had to do with Texas’ independence, but that was about it.
Now the museum does offer a 15-20 minute film about the Alamo, which would likely be useful in giving an overview of the place. However, I didn’t go see it.
Inside the Exhibit Hall, it was cool and dim. I think it could’ve been marked more distinctly where you should start. I realized halfway through that – at least timeline-wise – it would’ve been better to start on the other side of the door.
The one large room had posters, information signs, and collections encircling it, along with cases of artifacts in the center. First, this timeline really helped me. (Not the best picture, but it works.)
To put it simply, the Battle of the Alamo was another fight for rights and independence. The Battle occurred after Mexico had finally gained independence from Spain. A republic was established, but the president, Antonio López de Santa Anna, decided he would like more power. Two factions emerged from the political turmoil: the Centralists, who favored a strong, central government, and the Federalists, who wished for power to be concentrated in the states.
The winning side flip-flopped back and forth. When the state rights of Texas were stripped away, its inhabitants (including about 30,000 Americans) revolted. They declared independence from Mexico; and the mother country moved to squash the uprising. A stronghold of resistance was at the old church and fort, the Alamo.
Though the rebels held out as long as they could, in the end, they were completely overcome.
Watch this video! They’ve got a great, brief history of the Alamo – in rap! 😀
Flocabulary is a learning program for all grades that uses educational hip-hop music to engage students and increase achievement across the curriculum. Teach…
But the Alamo’s history extends to much more than what we think of when we say, “Remember the Alamo.” Starting as a mission in the 1720’s, the Alamo was then used as a military outpost for first the Spanish and then the Americans. Later in life it became a general store, before becoming the museum it is today.
Overall, the museum was interesting, and quite different from what I’ve been to before. However, if you don’t have much of a grasp on the Battle of the Alamo, I would definitely recommend watching the video, and maybe taking the tour. Perhaps it’s because I didn’t read the exhibit in the right order, but I found it difficult to get a sufficient overview of what happened. (I read a little more online afterward.)
The Alamo today stands at the heart of San Antonio and the heart of what it means to be a Texan. It is managed by the Texas General Land Office on behalf of the people of Texas. People visit from all over the world to see and learn about the mission and fort’s vital role in defending freedom.
Have you toured through your own town? There’s a surprising amount of history hidden behind the short stretch of road deemed downtown Bolton. Every year, the Bolton Historical Society gives a Main Street tour to the 3rd grade class. Not only do they desire for the next generation to learn about their home town, but they want the kids to find a connection and feel a positive association with their town center.
This year, I was bestowed with the honor of wrangling 20 or so 3rd graders on a walk around town. I studied up on the script and strove to make it informative yet interesting. Some seemed to really take it to heart; they knew their stuff. But the fact remains: I learned just as much myself reading and rereading the material :). I will impart that knowledge to you too.
I’m positive Bolton is certainly not the only town with a faithful historical society and a captivating history. So here’s your plug to pay a visit to your local historical society. With that, let us proceed to our tour.
Ironically, I forgot to snag some photos, so I will have to add those later.
Bolton’s Main Street existed way before the town itself
One general store operated for 150 years
Dr. Everett was a doctor, photographer, post master, and phone operator.
The Great Road and Pond Park
Route 117, Main Street, the Great Road, they’re all names for the same river of pavement that flows through downtown Bolton. As with most things though, it has changed quite a bit over the years–and there have been many.
Contrary to what you might think, the very early European colonists did not bush wack their way through the wilderness. Using common sense, they traveled along the paths that they Native Americans had already established.
This particular trail was called the Bay Path because the inland natives would use it to travel out to the bay for trade and fishing. When the colonists began to use it, the path was widened and extended. As the Great Road, it served many purposes. Animals of all sorts trod down it: cows, geese, turkeys. On April 19th, 1775, about 700 soldiers marched along its length on their way to Concord.
The road broadened again with the advent of stagecoaches. A local innkeeper, Amory Holman, owned a stagecoach company, bringing visitors and commerce to Bolton.
Another area of commerce for Bolton was its mill district. Present-day Pond Park marks the location of several mills, all powered by the Great Brook. After multiple buildings burned, the Village Improvement Society came together to fund a park. One of those members was Emerson.
Emerson also donated land and money for the town to build a single, larger school for its children. Prior to the Emerson School, Bolton educated its children in several one-room, district schoolhouses that were relocated depended on the number of students in an area. Finally, the town decided to establish three of these district schools on the present location of Emerson School, requiring children to come to them instead of the other way around.
One former student later recalled the duty of hauling buckets of water. Still visible today is the ring forming the well’s lip.
First Meetinghouse and the Old Brick Store
As we walk down the road, strung out along the thin sidewalks, we pass several old homes. Coated in salmon hues, the oldest dates from the 1760’s; its builder served in the American Revolution. At the intersection with Wattaquodock Road sit a Wheeler house. Caleb and Dolly Wheeler moved in soon after their wedding in ____. Later on, they commissioned famed stenciler Moses Eaton to decorate their walls. You can still see his patriotic eagles, pine trees, and flowers.
We crossed the street to stand before what the kids thought was a gravestone. However, the marker actually commemorates the approximate location of the first meetinghouse. -1st mtghouse and its various locations and burnings
Up the road you can just see a red sign advertising for an insurance company. This is the site of Amory Holman’s tavern: the man with the stagecoach company. Several of the houses nearby were converted from harness buildings, a blacksmith shop, and other components of his business.
Backtracking to the intersection, I point out the long red building facing the Great Road. This was the Crackerbarrel, or the Old Brick Store. Featuring all kinds of mercantile, from bottles and brushes, to food and cloth, the store saw over 150 years of business. If they didn’t have what you wanted, it could be ordered from Boston or Worcester, arriving in as little as two days.
Baptist Meetinghouse and Town Pound
How many times can you recycle a building? The First Baptist Meetinghouse has certainly seen quite a few uses. Though it was first constructed as the Baptist meetinghouse, the congregation outgrew it and moved down the street. Its other lives included a schoolhouse, storage for the town hearse, then Bolton quickstep (an early version of a fire engine), and Cemetery Commission. Now, Parks and Recreation uses the building for storage.
For the actual 3rd grader walk, we didn’t go to see it, but I motioned in the direction of the town pound remnants. Made for the purpose of corralling stray animals, a decrepit ring of stones remains. If someone’s pig or cow got loose, the animal would be put in the town pound so that no damage to crops or gardens would be caused. Upon the owner’s arrival, they would be fined to discourage further escapees.
Dr. Everett’s House, Barn, and Store
On the left is the house of Doctor Oliver Everett, a very versatile man. Though a doctor by training, Bolton’s small population wasn’t ill quite enough to make ends meet. So he became the local postmaster. His store (on the far right), boasted his doctor’s office upstairs and the post office downstairs.
Fun fact: a trap door was set in the floor over the Great Brook, which ran under the barn. To keep cleaning easy, the rakings from the barn floor were swept out into the stream.
One of Everett’s passions was photography. His photos are an amazing resource for the historical society today. Back then, Everett sold postcards with his images in the store.
Of great interest to the kids is Dr. Everett’s soda fountain, installed when the drink first became wildly popular. Everett’s store also boasted the first phone in town.
Wrong-Way House and the Church
Take note as you walk along the road and you might notice a house that appears to have two fronts. Dubbed wrong-way houses, there are several in Bolton. This particular one was originally situated to face the Town House Road and the First Parish Church. Once Route 117 became the main byway, the owners wanted their fancy front visible to all. So the first entrance is now mostly overgrown.
Sitting atop the hill is the First Parish Church, formerly the Federated Church. When multiple congregations in Bolton became too small to necessitate their own structures, they combined into the Federated Church.
We tromped upstairs to each be allowed a chance to ring the large bell hanging in the church tower. Feeling the ease and tug of the rope, and listening the outside clanging was very satisfying. I think the 3rd graders would agree.
Our tour continuing with a crawl up into the clock tower. Careful not to bump our heads, we emerged into a small area with high ceilings. A clock movement was mounted inside, and our specialty tour guide demonstrated some of its workings. Though currently out of use, there are plans to restore it in the future.
As they left, some 3rd graders stopped to ask questions, wondering where they could find more of this. Happily, we informed them that they were welcome to visit the historical society anytime. The walk is a splendid way to teach kids about their community; it gives them the stories and the significance behind what they see everyday.
Learning the history behind a landscape – human or natural – can completely change the way you view it. If we want the kids of today to care about what happens to history in the future, we need to plant the seeds now. The Bolton Historical Society is doing their part 🙂
Okay, okay, just one more post about Patriot’s Day. Then we can move on to something new. There are just so many interesting things that happened because of Patriot’s Day.
Minutemen companies marched long distances to reach Concord
Some reeenactors commemorate those marches each year
Last summer, I had the idea to walk along the British Regular’s route from Charlestown to Concord. First of all, my grandma was incredulous: you can’t just up and walk 18 miles she said. However, the weekend we planned to do it didn’t work out, and I was left thinking to do it sometime in the future. I did ask around if anyone already did that, and the answer seemed to be no.
But I did find the Sudbury Minutemen, who march every April 19th along the route that a Sudbury company took as a commemoration. The public is welcome to join them, although there ended up being only one other person in “civilian clothing.”
Sudbury Center at 6 am
As I said, this is a march of the Sudbury Minutemen, and there is a difference between minutemen and militia. Participation in the militia was required, being a minuteman was voluntary. Minutemen were called to be ready at “a moment’s notice,” more like half an hour, but still faster than the militia.
All in all, the march from Sudbury center to the North Bridge is approximately 10 miles. The way we perceive distances now is not the same way they did then. In a car, getting from one place to another is no great hurdle. You hop in, and might arrive 15-25 minutes later, fresh as a daisy. Or at least as fresh as you started.
In contrast, a 10 mile trip was a commitment. We left Sudbury at 6:15 in the morning. Some folks had already walked from Wayland (previously part of Sudbury) starting at 4 am.
Salute in a Cemetary
Town Line of Concord
A few of the reenactors have been marching annually for over 50 years. One of them introduced himself to us. Bob was 90 years old! Though he didn’t walk the whole route this year, let’s just say there were a lot of people who didn’t walk it at all.
Along the way, militiamen loaded and shot their muskets willy-nilly. However, there are different blackpowder rules in Sudbury and Concord. So when we reached the Sudbury town line, the men lined up to use up the rest of their gunpowder: Concord doesn’t allow random musket shooting.
Spectators waited along our route to hail the minutemen as we passed by. When marching in step, it really was a thrilling sight. Fifers and drummers played the entire time, lending the whole thing an official air. A couple kids stood at their driveway banging on their own drums while we marched past.
Break at Barrett’s Farm
Waiting for the Train
Quick fun fact: our hired police escort closed down the Route 2 rotary in Concord for us to cross! Those in Massachusetts know this is no easy feat, and at rush hour, no less.
After 5 hours of walking, I didn’t exactly feel at my peak physical ability. Though the minutemen were likely in better shape, I can’t imagine they were feeling spritely upon arrival either. I’m sure they were fueled by adrenaline as they anticipated meeting the Regulars, which surely helped. Can you imagine how long the march would’ve seemed? Not knowing what awaited you at the end? Walking in their footsteps (literally!) gave me a new insight into what that day was like for the colonists.
I must also comment on the friendliness of the group: we were the “new recruits.” Multiple people told us we were welcome to share in their food at the rest stops. Reenactors had us step into line with them, and we were encouraged to come back next year.
If you have the chance, by all means march with the Sudbury Minutemen next year. What an experience! Dress up only if you can/want to. The pace is steady; I was never out of breath, and there are cars to hop in if you need a break. Mark your calendars for April 19th (they stick with the actual date, not the state holiday). But whatever you do, don’t march behind the musicians 😉
The Sudbury Companies of Militia and Minute preserve American heritage and educate the public through reenactments, performances, speaker events, a monthly muster, a Colonial Faire, parades, and other educational, fun events.
