This tavern was built in the early 1700s by Benjamin Muzzey. As the first public house in the village of Lexington, it became a center for eating, drinking, and village gatherings. By 1775, the tavern was operated by John Buckman and his wife, a descendant of Benjamin Muzzey. The village green outside the tavern served as the training grounds for the Lexington militia.
On the night of April 18, 1775, word arrived from Boston that British troops were on their way. The Lexington militia assembled on the green but began to disperse after several hours with no sign of the redcoats. Many went to the tavern to wait. At 4:30 AM on April 19, a rider brought news that the British regulars were close. The militia left the tavern and assembled on the village green, facing the British troops around 5:00 AM.
Today, visitors can explore the Buckman Tavern, preserved to reflect its historical significance. Nearby, Minute Man National Historical Park offers a comprehensive understanding of the opening battle of the American Revolution, including sites like the North Bridge and the Minute Man Statue. Additionally, the Lexington Battle Green and the Hancock-Clarke House provide further insights into the early moments of the Revolutionary War. These locations offer a deeper appreciation of Lexington's pivotal role in the fight for independence.
Stories from Buckman Tavern
In the early twilight hours of April 19, 1775, Paul Revere rode by this house to warn its occupants, Samuel Adams and John Hancock, of the impending British raids. Already known for their revolutionary sentiments, Adams and Hancock fled to avoid capture.
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.