America’s independence was ignited in Massachusetts, where the spirit of revolution spread across its cities, towns, and countryside. From the first shots fired at Lexington and Concord to the significant battles that took place throughout the state, these events from 1775-1783 paved the way to victory in the Revolutionary War. We call this journey The Liberty Trail.
We invite you to visit the preserved locations along the Liberty Trail and to immerse
yourself in the extraordinary events that determined the fate of a nation.
A British officer who led the troops during the April 1775 march to Lexington and Concord, Smith is remembered for commanding the British forces in the opening battles of the American Revolution, facing both praise and criticism for his actions.
A former Revolutionary War captain, he led Shays' Rebellion in protest of economic hardships and oppressive taxation, which ultimately exposed the weaknesses of the Articles of Confederation and influenced the ratification of the U.S. Constitution.
Dr. Benjamin Church, the first Surgeon General of the Continental Army, was a secret British spy whose treason was exposed in 1775, leading to his exile and mysterious disappearance at sea.
Disguised as a man, Sampson served in the Continental Army during the Revolutionary War, enduring injuries and maintaining her secret identity until 1783, and later became a public figure advocating for veterans' pensions.
