“The flames of sedition spread.” So wrote General Thomas Gage in September 1774 after armed colonists forced the closure of the county courts in Springfield and Great Barrington. The crisis was escalating—and revolution was drawing near. Discover the story in “The Massachusetts Court Closures: The Flames of Sedition Spread.” And when spring arrives, why not see the history for yourself? “Lexington’s Historic Landmarks: Tracing the Roots of the Revolution” highlights nine sites in Lexington that bring the opening chapters of the Revolution to life.
This year's Patriots' Day honored the 250th anniversary of the first battles of the American Revolution with great fanfare, historic reenactments, commemorations, and somber remembrance of those who gave their lives to help give rise to the United States of America. As we make our way towards July 4, 2026, and the America250 celebrations, we hope you will enjoy a look back at the events of April 19, 2025.
Stand in the middle of Concord’s North Bridge with the Minute Man statue on your right and the British soldiers’ grave on your left. Place your hands on the rough wooden handrail in front of you; slightly to the left, you will see The Old Manse through the trees. Peer down into the Concord River that Ralph Waldo called “the dark stream which seaward creeps” and brace yourself: this tale is about to get rough.
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