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History of Lexington, Massachusetts, USA
Journey back in time to Lexington, Massachusetts, USA
Explore Lexington, Massachusetts, USA! Uncover its rich history and discover the stories of the people who once called it home. Dive into old newspaper articles, vintage pictures, postcards, and genealogy to learn more about this fascinating town.Do You Have Lexington Ancestry? Share YOUR Family Story!
Lexington, Middlesex, MA
Lexington was first settled circa 1642 as part of Cambridge, Massachusetts. What is now Lexington was then incorporated as a parish, called Cambridge Farms, in 1691. This allowed them to have a separate church and minister, but were still under jurisdiction of the Town of Cambridge. Lexington was incorporated as a separate town in 1713. It was then that it got the name Lexington. kids.kiddle.co
Lexington includes: Munroe Station.
netronline.com/ mass_lookup.htm
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Lexington Nostalgia: Vintage Photos, Ads, and Postcards
Lexington, Massachusetts, USA
Postcard
![Pinterest](https://www.pinterest.com/pin/create/button/?url=https%3a%2f%2fgreenerpasture.com%2fPlaces%2fDetails%2f1062&media=https%3a%2f%2fgreenerpasture.com%2fContent%2fancestorimages%2flexington_ma_3.jpg&description=Lexington, Massachusetts, USA - Old Hancock-Clark House, Built in 1698, Lexington, Mass.
"The Hancock-Clarke House is a historic house at 36 Hancock Street in Lexington, Massachusetts, that is a National Historic Landmark. Built in 1738, the house is notable as the only surviving house associated with statesman John Hancock, who lived here for several years as a child. It played a prominent role in the Battle of Lexington and Concord as both Hancock and Samuel Adams, leaders of the colonials, were staying in the house before the battle...
The Reverend John Hancock, grandfather of the American revolutionary leader of the same name, purchased this site in 1699. In 1738 he built this two-story timber-frame house..." wikipedia){kind=small}
Old Hancock-Clark House, Built in 1698, Lexington, Mass.
"The Hancock-Clarke House is a historic house at 36 Hancock Street in Lexington, Massachusetts, that is a National Historic Landmark. Built in 1738, the house is notable as the only surviving house associated with statesman John Hancock, who lived here for several years as a child. It played a prominent role in the Battle of Lexington and Concord as both Hancock and Samuel Adams, leaders of the colonials, were staying in the house before the battle...
The Reverend John Hancock, grandfather of the American revolutionary leader of the same name, purchased this site in 1699. In 1738 he built this two-story timber-frame house..." wikipedia
Lexington, Massachusetts, USA
Artwork
. United Kingdom: G. P. Putnam's sons.){kind=small}
The Battle of Lexington, April 19, 1775
Historic Towns of New England. (1898). United Kingdom: G. P. Putnam's sons.
Lexington, Massachusetts, USA
Postcard
![Pinterest](https://www.pinterest.com/pin/create/button/?url=https%3a%2f%2fgreenerpasture.com%2fPlaces%2fDetails%2f1062&media=https%3a%2f%2fgreenerpasture.com%2fContent%2fancestorimages%2flexington_ma.jpg&description=Lexington, Massachusetts, USA - Buckman Tavern, Lexington, Mass.
"Buckman Tavern is a historic American Revolutionary War site associated with the revolution's very first battle, the 1775 Battle of Lexington and Concord. It is located on the Battle Green in Lexington, Massachusetts and operated as a museum by the Lexington Historical Society.
The tavern was built in about 1709–1710 by Benjamin Muzzey (1657–1735), and with license granted in 1693 was the first public house in Lexington. Muzzey ran it for years, then his son John, and then at the time of the battle it was run by John's granddaughter and her husband John Buckman, a member of the Lexington Training Band. In those years the tavern was a favorite gathering place for militiamen on days when they trained on the Lexington Green...
Although best known as the headquarters of the militia, Buckman Tavern is also noteworthy as perhaps the busiest of Lexington's 18th-century taverns. It housed the first village store in Lexington, and later, in 1813, the first town post office..." wikipedia){kind=small}
Buckman Tavern, Lexington, Mass.
"Buckman Tavern is a historic American Revolutionary War site associated with the revolution's very first battle, the 1775 Battle of Lexington and Concord. It is located on the Battle Green in Lexington, Massachusetts and operated as a museum by the Lexington Historical Society.
The tavern was built in about 1709–1710 by Benjamin Muzzey (1657–1735), and with license granted in 1693 was the first public house in Lexington. Muzzey ran it for years, then his son John, and then at the time of the battle it was run by John's granddaughter and her husband John Buckman, a member of the Lexington Training Band. In those years the tavern was a favorite gathering place for militiamen on days when they trained on the Lexington Green...
Although best known as the headquarters of the militia, Buckman Tavern is also noteworthy as perhaps the busiest of Lexington's 18th-century taverns. It housed the first village store in Lexington, and later, in 1813, the... Read MORE...
Lexington, Massachusetts, USA
Postcard
![Pinterest](https://www.pinterest.com/pin/create/button/?url=https%3a%2f%2fgreenerpasture.com%2fPlaces%2fDetails%2f1062&media=https%3a%2f%2fgreenerpasture.com%2fContent%2fancestorimages%2flexington_ma_2.jpg&description=Lexington, Massachusetts, USA - Old Belfry Club. The Social Club of the Town.
"In 1892, the Old Belfry Club, one of the first social clubs in Lexington, was organized. Two years later, a clubhouse was dedicated at the corner of Muzzey and Forest Streets. The facility included a tennis court and bowling alley. It was destroyed by fire in 1979..." historicsurvey.lexingtonma.gov){kind=small}
Old Belfry Club. The Social Club of the Town.
"In 1892, the Old Belfry Club, one of the first social clubs in Lexington, was organized. Two years later, a clubhouse was dedicated at the corner of Muzzey and Forest Streets. The facility included a tennis court and bowling alley. It was destroyed by fire in 1979..." historicsurvey.lexingtonma.gov
Discover Lexington: History, News, Travel, and Stories
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1713 - Lexington was incorporated as a separate town
Massachusetts City and Town Incorporation and Settlement Dates
Massachusetts City and Town Incorporation and Settlement Dates
1775 - American Revolution
First battle of American Revolution fought at Lexington and Concord
The Battles of Lexington and Concord signaled the start of the American Revolutionary war on April 19, 1775. The British Army set out from Boston to capture rebel leaders Samuel Adams and John Hancock in Lexington as well as to destroy the Americans store of weapons and ammunition in Concord. The colonists were warned however, by riders including Paul Revere, that the British Army was approaching. Sam Adams and John Hancock were able to escape and the local militia was able to hide much of their ammunition and weapons.
The Battle of Lexington was a very small fight... Neither side expected to actually fight, but in the midst of the confusion a gunshot went off forcing the British to attack. Some of the colonists were killed and the rest fled.
The gunshot was the first shot of the American Revolution and the start of the war. It was called the "shot heard around the world" by Ralph Waldo Emerson in his poem ... Read MORE...
First battle of American Revolution fought at Lexington and Concord
The Battles of Lexington and Concord signaled the start of the American Revolutionary war on April 19, 1775. The British Army set out from Boston to capture rebel leaders Samuel Adams and John Hancock in Lexington as well as to destroy the Americans store of weapons and ammunition in Concord. The colonists were warned however, by riders including Paul Revere, that the British Army was approaching. Sam Adams and John Hancock were able to escape and the local militia was able to hide much of their ammunition and weapons.
The Battle of Lexington was a very small fight... Neither side expected to actually fight, but in the midst of the confusion a gunshot went off forcing the British to attack. Some of the colonists were killed and the rest fled.
The gunshot was the first shot of the American Revolution and the start of the war. It was called the "shot heard around the world" by Ralph Waldo Emerson in his poem ... Read MORE...
1839 - Lexington
Lexington, Massachusetts
Middlesex county. This pleasant town lies 10 miles N.W. from Boston, and 7 E. from Concord. Incorporated, 1712. Population, 1837, 1,622. There are some excellent farms in this town, large tracts of meadow on some of the branches of the Shawsheen, which rises here, and some valuable woodland. The manufactures consist of boots, shoes, caps, clocks, cabinet ware, and calico printing; annual value, about $100,000.
Lexington will ever be an interesting place, as here the first blood was shed in the cause of American Independence. "A detachment of British soldiers were sent at daylight on the morning of the 19th of April, 1775, to take or destroy a quantity of military stores collected at Concord. They were under the command of Col. Smith and Maj. Pitcairn. On reaching this place, a militia company were exercising on the common. A British officer rode up and ordered them to disperse, but not being instantly obeyed, he discharged his pistol and ordered his men to ... Read MORE...
Lexington, Massachusetts
Middlesex county. This pleasant town lies 10 miles N.W. from Boston, and 7 E. from Concord. Incorporated, 1712. Population, 1837, 1,622. There are some excellent farms in this town, large tracts of meadow on some of the branches of the Shawsheen, which rises here, and some valuable woodland. The manufactures consist of boots, shoes, caps, clocks, cabinet ware, and calico printing; annual value, about $100,000.
Lexington will ever be an interesting place, as here the first blood was shed in the cause of American Independence. "A detachment of British soldiers were sent at daylight on the morning of the 19th of April, 1775, to take or destroy a quantity of military stores collected at Concord. They were under the command of Col. Smith and Maj. Pitcairn. On reaching this place, a militia company were exercising on the common. A British officer rode up and ordered them to disperse, but not being instantly obeyed, he discharged his pistol and ordered his men to ... Read MORE...
1845 - LEXINGTON. [Pop. 1,642. Inc. 1713.]
Lexington is famed for being the spot where the first American blood was shed, at the commencement of the war of Independence. The British troops, on their way to destroy the military stores at Concord, fired upon the citizens and killed eight of them. A monument is erected on the spot where they fell.
The inhabitants are chiefly farmers, but they pay some attention to manufactures, especially articles of fur.
Distance from Concord, 7 miles; from Boston, 10.
An Elementary Geography for Massachusetts Children by William Bentley Fowle and Asa Fitz, 1845
Lexington is famed for being the spot where the first American blood was shed, at the commencement of the war of Independence. The British troops, on their way to destroy the military stores at Concord, fired upon the citizens and killed eight of them. A monument is erected on the spot where they fell.
The inhabitants are chiefly farmers, but they pay some attention to manufactures, especially articles of fur.
Distance from Concord, 7 miles; from Boston, 10.
An Elementary Geography for Massachusetts Children by William Bentley Fowle and Asa Fitz, 1845
1848 - Lexington
This town was incorporated in 1712. The face of t.he town is rather rough and uneven, and the soil is not of the first quality for cultivation. There are, however, some good farms and extensive meadows on the branches of the Shawshine river, several of which rise in this town. In 1837. the value of boots and shoes manufactured in this place was $12,278; fur caps manufactured, 60,000; muffs and neck ties, 600: fur capes, 400; fur gloves, 1,000 pairs; value of these articles, $73,000; males employed, 25; females, 75; capital invested, $55,000. There was also an establishment for calico printing. Population, 1,622. Distance, 7 miles from Concord, 13 from Lowell, and 10 from Boston.
The following is a representation of the far famed spot where the first blood was shed at the opening of the great drama of the Revolution. The engraving is a western view from the Concord road, showing the Unitarian church, and the monument on Lexington green, or common. The monument is situated on a small ... Read MORE...
This town was incorporated in 1712. The face of t.he town is rather rough and uneven, and the soil is not of the first quality for cultivation. There are, however, some good farms and extensive meadows on the branches of the Shawshine river, several of which rise in this town. In 1837. the value of boots and shoes manufactured in this place was $12,278; fur caps manufactured, 60,000; muffs and neck ties, 600: fur capes, 400; fur gloves, 1,000 pairs; value of these articles, $73,000; males employed, 25; females, 75; capital invested, $55,000. There was also an establishment for calico printing. Population, 1,622. Distance, 7 miles from Concord, 13 from Lowell, and 10 from Boston.
The following is a representation of the far famed spot where the first blood was shed at the opening of the great drama of the Revolution. The engraving is a western view from the Concord road, showing the Unitarian church, and the monument on Lexington green, or common. The monument is situated on a small ... Read MORE...
1854 - Lexington
Lexington, a post-village of Middlesex county, Massachusetts, on the Lexington and West Cambridge Branch railroad, 11 miles N. W. from Boston. It contains 2 or 3 churches, which with the principal dwellings and stores are arranged around a pleasant green. Lexington is memorable as being the place where the first blood was shed in defence of American liberty. A monument with an appropriate inscription has been erected by the state, to commemorate the patriotism and valor of the eight persons who fell in the battle fought April 19th, 1775. It stands on the green. Population of the township, 1894.
A New and Complete Gazetteer of the United States: Giving a Full and Comprehensive Review of the Present Condition, Industry, and Resources of the American Confederacy ... Thomas Baldwin (of Philadelphia.) Joseph Thomas January 1, 1854 Philadelphia : Lippincott, Grambo & Company 1854.
Lexington, a post-village of Middlesex county, Massachusetts, on the Lexington and West Cambridge Branch railroad, 11 miles N. W. from Boston. It contains 2 or 3 churches, which with the principal dwellings and stores are arranged around a pleasant green. Lexington is memorable as being the place where the first blood was shed in defence of American liberty. A monument with an appropriate inscription has been erected by the state, to commemorate the patriotism and valor of the eight persons who fell in the battle fought April 19th, 1775. It stands on the green. Population of the township, 1894.
A New and Complete Gazetteer of the United States: Giving a Full and Comprehensive Review of the Present Condition, Industry, and Resources of the American Confederacy ... Thomas Baldwin (of Philadelphia.) Joseph Thomas January 1, 1854 Philadelphia : Lippincott, Grambo & Company 1854.
1870 - Yeast for Bread
Mrs. W. A. Tower, of Lexington, Mass., took the first premium offered by the Middlesex Agricultural Society, for the best unbolted wheat flour bread, and made the following statement: For yeast I take four mashed potatoes, one cup of white sugar, one cup of flour, and pour on this mixture one quart of scalding water, in which a handful of hops has been boiled; then add a pint of lukewarm water, stir, strain, and let it rise over night.
St Joseph Herald
Saint Joseph, Michigan
April 9, 1870
Mrs. W. A. Tower, of Lexington, Mass., took the first premium offered by the Middlesex Agricultural Society, for the best unbolted wheat flour bread, and made the following statement: For yeast I take four mashed potatoes, one cup of white sugar, one cup of flour, and pour on this mixture one quart of scalding water, in which a handful of hops has been boiled; then add a pint of lukewarm water, stir, strain, and let it rise over night.
St Joseph Herald
Saint Joseph, Michigan
April 9, 1870
Lexington Massachusetts, 1890
Lexington, famous from being the scene of the opening conflict of the Revolution, lies in the southeast section of Middlesex County, 10 miles northwest of Boston, on the Middlesex Railroad, — a branch of the Lowell system of the Boston and Maine Railroad. It is bounded on the north by Bedford, Burlington and Woburn; on the northeast by the last two and Winchester; on the southeast by the latter, Arlington and Belmont; on the southwest by Waltham; and on the west by Lincoln and Bedford. Lexington village, at the centre, and East Lexington, are the post-offices; the railway stations being these, and Munroe's, Pierce's Bridge and North Lexington.
The assessed area of the town is 9,331 acres, of which 2,022 are woodland. The land is undulating, but rises here and there into handsome eminences; as Buck's Hill in the northeast, Mount Independence in the southeast, and Turner's, Merriam's, Loring's hills and Hancock Heights, near the central village. The underlying rock is sienite, with a ... Read MORE...
Lexington, famous from being the scene of the opening conflict of the Revolution, lies in the southeast section of Middlesex County, 10 miles northwest of Boston, on the Middlesex Railroad, — a branch of the Lowell system of the Boston and Maine Railroad. It is bounded on the north by Bedford, Burlington and Woburn; on the northeast by the last two and Winchester; on the southeast by the latter, Arlington and Belmont; on the southwest by Waltham; and on the west by Lincoln and Bedford. Lexington village, at the centre, and East Lexington, are the post-offices; the railway stations being these, and Munroe's, Pierce's Bridge and North Lexington.
The assessed area of the town is 9,331 acres, of which 2,022 are woodland. The land is undulating, but rises here and there into handsome eminences; as Buck's Hill in the northeast, Mount Independence in the southeast, and Turner's, Merriam's, Loring's hills and Hancock Heights, near the central village. The underlying rock is sienite, with a ... Read MORE...
1894 - January 9 – New England Telephone and Telegraph installs the first battery-operated telephone switchboard in Lexington, Massachusetts.
wikipedia.org
January 9, 1894
wikipedia.org
January 9, 1894
1895 - Lexington
Lexington, a post-village of Middlesex co., Mass., in Lexington township, 11 miles W.N.W. of Boston, with which it is connected by railroad. It has several churches, a graded school, and a savings-bank. Here occurred on the 19th of April, 1775, a memorable action between the British soldiers and a small body of militia. This was the first battle of the Revolution. A monument has been erected here to commemorate the patriotism of the eight men who fell in that action. The township contains 5 churches. Pop. of the township, 2505.
Lippincott's Gazetteer of the World: A Complete Pronouncing Gazetteer Or Geographical Dictionary of the World Containing Notices of Over One Hundred and Twenty-five Thousand Places ... Joseph Thomas January 1, 1895 J.B. Lippincott
Lexington, a post-village of Middlesex co., Mass., in Lexington township, 11 miles W.N.W. of Boston, with which it is connected by railroad. It has several churches, a graded school, and a savings-bank. Here occurred on the 19th of April, 1775, a memorable action between the British soldiers and a small body of militia. This was the first battle of the Revolution. A monument has been erected here to commemorate the patriotism of the eight men who fell in that action. The township contains 5 churches. Pop. of the township, 2505.
Lippincott's Gazetteer of the World: A Complete Pronouncing Gazetteer Or Geographical Dictionary of the World Containing Notices of Over One Hundred and Twenty-five Thousand Places ... Joseph Thomas January 1, 1895 J.B. Lippincott
1916
Lexington, a post-village of Middlesex co., Mass., in Lexington township (town), 11 miles NW. of Boston, with which it is connected by the Boston and Maine R. Here occurred on April 19, 1775, the first encounter between the British and Americans in the Revolutionary War. A monument has been erected here to the memory of the patriots who fell in that action. Pop. of the town in 1900, 3831.
Lippincotts New Gazetteer: A Complete Pronouncing Gazetteer Or Geographical Dictionary of the World, Containing the Most Recent and Authentic Information Respecting the Countries, Cities, Towns, Resorts, Islands, Rivers, Mountains, Seas, Lakes, Etc., in Every Portion of the Globe, Part 1 Angelo Heilprin Louis Heilprin - January 1, 1916 J.B. Lippincott - Publisher
Lexington, a post-village of Middlesex co., Mass., in Lexington township (town), 11 miles NW. of Boston, with which it is connected by the Boston and Maine R. Here occurred on April 19, 1775, the first encounter between the British and Americans in the Revolutionary War. A monument has been erected here to the memory of the patriots who fell in that action. Pop. of the town in 1900, 3831.
Lippincotts New Gazetteer: A Complete Pronouncing Gazetteer Or Geographical Dictionary of the World, Containing the Most Recent and Authentic Information Respecting the Countries, Cities, Towns, Resorts, Islands, Rivers, Mountains, Seas, Lakes, Etc., in Every Portion of the Globe, Part 1 Angelo Heilprin Louis Heilprin - January 1, 1916 J.B. Lippincott - Publisher
2023 - Whether you're interested in history, nature, or local culture, Lexington, Massachusetts, has something to offer for every visitor.
Minuteman National Historical Park:
Explore the birthplace of the American Revolution with a visit to this historic park. Walk along the Battle Road Trail and visit iconic sites like the North Bridge.
Lexington Battle Green:
Stand on the historic Battle Green, where the first shots of the American Revolution were fired. Learn about the events of April 19, 1775, and see the iconic Minuteman statue.
Buckman Tavern:
Step back in time with a tour of Buckman Tavern, a well-preserved colonial building that served as a gathering place for the Lexington militia before the Battle of Lexington.
Hancock-Clarke House:
Visit the Hancock-Clarke House, another historic home with ties to the Revolutionary War. It was where John Hancock and Samuel Adams were staying when Paul Revere arrived with his warning.
Munroe Tavern:
Discover the history of Munroe Tavern, which served as a field hospital during the Battle of Lexington. It's now a museum with exhibits on Lexington's role in the... Read MORE...
Minuteman National Historical Park:
Explore the birthplace of the American Revolution with a visit to this historic park. Walk along the Battle Road Trail and visit iconic sites like the North Bridge.
Lexington Battle Green:
Stand on the historic Battle Green, where the first shots of the American Revolution were fired. Learn about the events of April 19, 1775, and see the iconic Minuteman statue.
Buckman Tavern:
Step back in time with a tour of Buckman Tavern, a well-preserved colonial building that served as a gathering place for the Lexington militia before the Battle of Lexington.
Hancock-Clarke House:
Visit the Hancock-Clarke House, another historic home with ties to the Revolutionary War. It was where John Hancock and Samuel Adams were staying when Paul Revere arrived with his warning.
Munroe Tavern:
Discover the history of Munroe Tavern, which served as a field hospital during the Battle of Lexington. It's now a museum with exhibits on Lexington's role in the... Read MORE...
Discover YOUR Roots: Lexington Ancestry
Ancestors Who Were Born or Died in Lexington, Massachusetts, USA
We currently have information about 70 ancestors who were born or died in Lexington.View Them Now (sorted by year of birth)
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