Autumn colors attract many visitors to New England and other parts of the northeastern United States. While enjoying the seasonal changes in temperature and foliage, there are many early American historical sites to explore.
Fall colors at Minuteman National Park
Some of the most important are at Lexington and Concord in Massachusetts, where the first battles of the Revolutionary War took place on April 19, 1775, including on the Battle Road Trail.
Battle Road Trail
The Battle Road Trail in Minute Man National Historic Park runs for 5.5 miles from Lexington to Meriam’s Corner in Concord. The trail winds through wooded areas and fields following the path of British soldiers and colonial militia. On the mid-October day I walked the trail, it was so peaceful and quiet that it was hard to imagine the bloody fighting that took place there long ago.
Battle Road Trail
This stone marks the nearby burial place of British soldiers killed in battle on April 19th, 1775.
British Soldiers Marker
The first skirmish took place of April 19, 1775, was on what is known as Lexington Battle Green. First Parish Unitarian Universalist Church now stands on the site where the bodies of the dead soldiers were brought after the battle. The current building was constructed in 1847.
First Parish Church
Across from the Green is Buckman Tavern, where members of the Lexington militia waited for the British army.
Buckman Tavern
Along the way, there are many historic markers such as the site where Paul Revere’s famous midnight ride to Concord and Lexington ended when he was captured by British troops, and structures like Hartwell Tavern were standing at the time.
For more information about Battle Road Trail, museums, visitor centers, events and tours: Minute Man National Historic Park
Very nice selection of photos – and so hard to believe anything horrible happened in this area when the paths look so inviting and peaceful now.
That’s a very pretty looking church and just what one would expect to see in New England.
Ah, this looks like a wonderful walk.
Interesting article 🙂
What a lovely walk through the autumn woods. Thanks for bringing that back to me. I loved the area when I visited. Yes, indeed. So peaceful, it is hard to imagine the chaos of long ago.
Beautiful Photography !
What great colours! 🙂
A colourful moment in history so well illustrated with colourful photos Cathy.
BTW Cathy, this Monday’s Magnificent Monday theme is “Spring and Autumn Collection” and this would be so perfect for linking in.
Thanks for the heads-up on the next Magnificent Monday theme. I’ll be happy to post a link!
Beautiful autumn photos Cathy. Think we’re all starting to feel a bit autumnal now. 🙂 I agree, it must be hard to stroll around there and imagine battles taking place in such a peaceful location.
Julia
Gorgeous! Beautiful colours 🙂
How a scene takes away from the history – and how soon we have forgotten.
Nice, peaceful yet here is where our freedoms come from – the men and women who risked everything so America could be free.
Not talked about that much – less we get into the “not politically correct” diatribe that is so familiar these days.
To remember the battles, the cause for which these people died, is our legacy – a shame the causes and freedoms are set aside for a more acceptable article for mainstream.
Sorry sweeney, do not mean to take away from your post or great pics – I just miss Americans talking about the legacy of our founding fathers, and why they did what they did.
The folks who died in this area so future generations cold pursue freedom would be appalled looking at America today. A shame that most Americans do not see that.
Great pics of the fall colors.
Cheers,
John D. Wilson
John, thank you for your comment. All the while I walked that trail, I thought about the importance of this place in the founding of our country. I am also a proud American who appreciates the history of our country and the sacrifices made by our ancestors. I’m not afraid of saying that here or at any time.
This post was really intended to focus on the beauty of the area and season, but I didn’t want to ignore the historical significance. I also hoped that others may be inspired to visit Lexington and Concord and learn more of our country’s history and see more of its beauty.
As a stated, I did not want the comment to take away for you post.
Nor did I mean to imply that you were not a proud American who appreciated her past.
The scenery, this time of year, in that area is great – no doubts.
Maybe I am just being a grumpy old man this morning.
Cheers,
John D. Wilson
I totally understand, John. I appreciate the time you took to read my post and make such a thoughtful comment. Glad you liked the pics!
Looks so peaceful now – hard to believe the violent history
How lovely! I’m just so grateful that these treasures have been preserved over the years. Fantastic!
Beautiful fall colors! My favorite time of year.
Ohhhh my gosh those photos took my breath away! I grew up in Florida and now live in the desert, with a bit of tropic living in between. Those fall colors are gorgeous!
Wow, such beautiful colors and photos. New England charm at it’s best! Really like the photo with the church. 🙂
So much beauty belies so much blood.
How pretty! I miss the fall colors down here in Texas. Sometimes we see a little of that in New Mexico. Reminds me of back home.
Lovely shots Cathy. It’s been a long time since I’ve visited the New England States. They are beautiful and historic. The fall colors are pretty much the same in Nova Scotia (and I haven’t seen them for a long time either!)
Cathy, beautiful photos and a great history lesson as well! Love this time of year in New England!
Thanks, Jeremy. New England is gorgeous in the fall.
I love that New England church shot with the fall leaves. Nice shot. Visiting the historical battle sites can be fun. I visited two when I was in the New England area.
Thanks, Lisa. I love that shot, too. There’s no shortage of historical sites in New England, for sure!
We spent last fall in New England and truly fell in love with the area. There’s so much beauty and history and richness there. I can’t wait to go back.
Very interesting post, knowing the history of the places we visit gives much more value to our travels. Great photos, although autumn reminds me that my favorite season is over, I admit that its colors are possibly the most romantic of the year 🙂
I always have mixed feelings when Autumn begins — hate to see summer gone, but Autumn can be so beautiful (and romantic, as you said)!
Oh, how beautiful. I love the colors of fall.
I am sad to say I have never made it east to see the fall foliage 🙁 I now know one of the places I will visit when I make it! Gorgeous pictures, loved them all.
i’ve only been to fall foliage once and it was the most spectacular experience!! I loved it!!!
Beautiful photography, Cathy! As a SoCal boy I never get to see the trees change colors. I’ve always wanted to visit New England in the fall.
What a beautiful area! And there is nothing like gorgeous fall colors… I lived in Connecticut as a child and remember views like those. Nice that you got to enjoy such beauty while walking in a place with such historical significance.
beautiful absolutely gorgeous, our trees have not gotten to this point yet. very informative as well. thank you for this.
The one thing I miss of New England is the Fall. I really loved getting out in the fall and enjoying the scenery, which you have captured really great!! I have been at this area quite a lot over the years I lived in Mass. and N.H. I worked in Waltham for many years!! Thank You for the walk down memory lane!!!
http://jpweddingphotograpy.blogspot.com/2011/10/photographing-love-in-spring-time-and.html
Hi Cathy…Great addition to Magnificent Monday.
Love the fall colors in New England
Cathy I really love your post. I love the photos, and I love the way you have remembered the history. In our busy lives it can be very easy to ignore what has gone on before us.
Beautiful trail and beautiful colors/photos Cathy. I could spend hours there.
I love all the changing colours of the leaves – gorgeous!
What a great way to enjoy autumn colours and learn about the history at the same time. Love the way you connected both. I miss Ontario’s bursting fall colours. We do have a wonderfull fall here in BC as well, but there’s no comparison to the burning woods back east!