Historic Site | State/County Park

Boston Common

Once the training ground for British troops in Boston, it was from here that Regulars marched toward Lexington & Concord, sparking the American Revolution.

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Boston, MA

A Rival Green

Boston Common, referred to as a "trayning field," was a significant site during the American Revolution. Over 1,000 Redcoats camped there during the British occupation of Boston in 1775, and it was from the Common that three brigades embarked on the fateful trip to Lexington and Concord, where they encountered militia on the Lexington Green. John Hancock's mansion overlooked the Common, and his wife, Dorothy Quincy Hancock, entertained 300 naval officers during Admiral D’Estaing’s fleet visit in 1778.

The Hancocks contributed to the Common by providing a large cask of Madeira wine and fireworks for the 1765 Stamp Act repeal celebration and building a bandstand in 1771. Boston Common has served as a place for public oratory and discourse, hosting significant events related to the American Revolution.

What's Nearby

Explore more of The Liberty Trail by visiting these nearby attractions.

Equestrian statue of George Washington on the Boston Common

Boston, MA 02111

British assemble to march on Lexington & Concord

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The Old State House in Boston, Massachusetts

Boston, MA 02109

Site of the Boston massacre

0.62513779299254
0.82171920519354
Home of Paul Revere

Boston, MA 02113

Home of Paul and Rachel Revere

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American soldiers overlook Boston from Dorchester Heights

Boston, MA 02127

Colonists besiege the British garrison in Boston

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Old North Church in Boston, Massachusetts

Boston, MA 02113

One if by land, two if by sea

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Battle of Bunker Hill depicted by Don Troiani

Charlestown, MA 02129

Militia are narrowly defeated by British forces

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Exterior of the Jason Russell House

Arlington, MA 02476

Some of the bloodiest fighting of Lexington & Concord

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Munroe Tavern in Lexington, Massachusetts

Lexington, MA 02420

Percy's HQ prior to Lexington & Concord

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Lexington, MA 02420

Paul Revere warns Hancock & Adams to flee

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21.283061399681

Lincoln, MA 01773

Paul Revere's Midnight Ride capture site

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Exterior of Meriams Corner

Concord, MA 01742

Site of a militia ambush during Lexington & Concord

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The North Bridge at Minuteman National Park

Concord, MA 01742

Site of the first shots at Lexington & Concord

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Stories from Boston Common

Trail Site

At dawn on April 19, 1775, an unknown shot shattered the silence in Lexington. British Redcoats and colonial militia clashed, leaving blood on the field. In Concord, the patriots struck back, and as the British retreated, gunfire hounded them to Boston, thus sparking the American Revolution

Biography

A wealthy merchant and political leader from Massachusetts, Hancock was a key figure in the American Revolution, serving as president of the Second Continental Congress, signing the Declaration of Independence, and later serving as governor of Massachusetts.

Trail Site

A monumental structure built in 1742, Faneuil Hall served as one of the most important sites of civic engagement in colonial Boston. Since, it has hosted the likes of revolutionary leaders and dissidents.