This home was built for John Hancock’s grandfather, who served as the pastor for the town of Lexington for fifty-five years. His successor was the Reverend Jonas Clarke, whose wife was a cousin of John Hancock. As a young boy, John Hancock lived in this home with his grandfather for several years before moving to Boston to live with his uncle. In the early morning of April 19, 1775, Paul Revere arrived at Clarke’s home, where John Hancock and Samuel Adams were staying, to warn them of an approaching British force. The two revolutionary leaders left to avoid capture.
The home was acquired by the Lexington Historical Society, which moved the building to a different location to avoid demolition. In 1974, after acquiring the land where the house originally sat, the building was relocated back to its historical location. Today, visitors can explore the Hancock-Clarke House, preserved to reflect its historical significance. Nearby, the Lexington Battle Green, Buckman Tavern, and Munroe Tavern offer further insights into the early moments of the American Revolution
Stories from Hancock-Clarke House
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.
Most famous for his midnight ride, Revere rose from his early days as a silversmith's apprentice to become a key figure in the American Revolution, playing pivotal roles in spreading revolutionary messages and later establishing a successful career in the metal industry.
A passionate advocate for liberty, Adams rallied resistance to British rule, organized protests like the Boston Tea Party, and championed colonial rights. He later signed the Declaration of Independence and served as Massachusetts’ governor.