Historic Site | Historic House

Jason Russell House

One of the bloodiest sites during the Battle of Lexington and Concord, this house saw extensive combat and still bears the scars left behind by the engagement.

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Arlington, MA

Based on analysis of the timbers that make up the structure of the building, the current Jason Russell House was likely built in the 1740s, recycling timbers from an earlier house built on the property in the 1680s. On April 19, 1775, this home was part of the village of Menotomy, which today is Arlington. British troops marched past the home on their way to Concord in the early hours of the morning and returned later that afternoon on their retreat to Boston. Militia from towns around Boston converged on the road the British were using, firing at the redcoats from concealed positions. The British commander, Hugh Percy, ordered his troops to clear out colonial militia using the village buildings as cover. Around a dozen men were killed in and around Jason Russell’s house, including Jason Russell.

The house was altered in the mid-1800s, but much of the eighteenth-century structure remained intact. In 1923, the house was purchased by the Arlington Historical Society to save it from demolition. Today, visitors can explore the Jason Russell House, preserved to reflect its historical significance. Nearby, the Arlington Revolutionary War Monument, the Old Burying Ground, and the Foot of the Rocks memorial offer further insights into the early battles of the American Revolution. These sites provide a deeper appreciation of Arlington's pivotal role in the fight for independence.

What's Nearby

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

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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6.8460518300916
6.9026173604935
7.0193015811466

Lexington, MA 02420

Paul Revere warns Hancock & Adams to flee

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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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Old North Church in Boston, Massachusetts

Boston, MA 02113

One if by land, two if by sea

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Equestrian statue of George Washington on the Boston Common

Boston, MA 02111

British assemble to march on Lexington & Concord

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Home of Paul Revere

Boston, MA 02113

Home of Paul and Rachel Revere

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The Old State House in Boston, Massachusetts

Boston, MA 02109

Site of the Boston massacre

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Faneuil Hall Square in Boston

Boston, MA 02109

Epicenter of Boston political life

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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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11.650568519082

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 Jason Russell House

Biography

A British officer during the American Revolution, Percy helped during the retreat from Concord in 1775 and fought at Long Island and Fort Washington. Frustrated with British leadership, he returned to England, prospered as a landowner, and died in 1817.

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

Trail Site

Known by several names over the past two centuries, it is now known as the Wright Tavern, named after its owner during the Battle of Lexington and Concord, Amos Wright.