Concord in Middlesex County, Massachusetts — The American Northeast (New England)
The Muster Field
“Will you let them burn the town down?”
Lt. Joseph Hosmer of Concord
“I haven’t a man who’s afraid to go.”
Captain Isaac Davis of Acton
“Do not fire on the King’s troops unless first fired upon.”
Colonel James Barrett of Concord
In the field beyond, Colonists held the first council of war of the American Revolution. There, on the high ground above the North Bridge, stood 400 citizen-soldiers – the assembled ranks of the colonial militia from Concord and surrounding towns. They were determined to maintain their liberty by force of arms if necessary.
With smoke rising from the center of town and the bridge held by 96 British Regulars, they made the decision to march into the town to save it. Under strict orders not to fire first, the Colonists began their march in a “very military manner” towards the Regulars at the bridge below.
“We determined to march to the center of town for its defence or die in the attempt,”
Erected by Minute Man National Historical
Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Notable Places • War, US Revolutionary.
Location. 42° 28.246′ N, 71° 21.177′ W. Marker is in Concord, Massachusetts, in Middlesex County. Marker is on Liberty Street, on the left when traveling south. Marker is located at the entrance to the North Bridge Visitor Center in Minute Man National Historical Park. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Concord MA 01742, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. The North Bridge (within shouting distance of this marker); Two Revolutions (about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line); An Evolving Legacy (about 300 feet away); Reflections of the Revolution (about 300 feet away); Major John Buttrick (about 300 feet away); Acton Minutemen (about 300 feet away); Major John Buttrick House (about 400 feet away); The Road to Colonel Barrett’s (about 700 feet away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Concord.
More about this marker. The center of the marker contains the image of Colonial militiaman. The lower left of the marker features a photograph of the “Muster Field monument on Liberty Street in 1888. Note that Liberty Street, in front of you, dates from 1793 and was not present at the time of the battle.”
Credits. This page was last revised on October 16, 2020. It was originally submitted on April 23, 2009, by Bill Coughlin of Woodland Park, New Jersey. This page has been viewed 1,699 times since then and 24 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6. submitted on April 23, 2009, by Bill Coughlin of Woodland Park, New Jersey.