Old North Bridge

 One of our favorite stops during our trip in April was at the Old North Bridge over the Concord River in Concord, Massachusetts.  We had read so many stories about this scene and what happened here that it was very moving and a bit emotional for all of us to actually be right where the Revolutionary War began.  This is a stop in the MinuteMan National Park which is a phenomenal place to visit.  The visitor's center has a fabulous film/enactment that really helps explain the events that happened in April 1775.  I can't say enough good things about it.

Noah wrote their initials in the sand on the bank of river.  I loved it!

A really cool tree on the property in front of the home.

The monument you can see behind the kids in the first three pictures was dedicated on the 4th of July 1837 and it was said that Ralph Waldo Emerson wrote his famous "Concord Hymn" for this occasion.  A famous stanza from that poem goes:

By the rude bridge that arched the flood,

Their flag to April's breeze unfurled,

Here once the embattled farmers stood

And fired the shot heard round the world

 

It was just really cool to visit here.  I would definitely recommend it.  They have a home at the site of the bridge that was there in 1775 (it's hard to imagine having a home so close to the "action" going on there) and they have displays and artifacts and really kind and helpful park rangers inside!!  And if you come with kids ask to do the Jr. Ranger program.  It's free and it's fun!