The Munroe Tavern was originally built in 1735 by David Comee. William Munroe acquired the building in the 1770s, and in October 1774, he received permission to operate a tavern. When word of the engagement between British troops and colonial militia reached Boston, British officer Hugh Percy led a relief force of one thousand British soldiers to reinforce the column retreating from Concord. Percy and his officers occupied the Munroe Tavern, using it as a headquarters and a field hospital for wounded British troops. After more than an hour, the British withdrew back towards Boston. In 1789, newly elected President George Washington visited the Munroe Tavern while on a trip to see the Lexington battlefield.
Today, the Lexington Historical Society uses the Munroe Tavern to tell the story of the battles of Lexington and Concord from the perspective of the British troops who participated. It also displays objects used by President Washington during his visit. Nearby, visitors can explore the Lexington Battle Green, Buckman Tavern, and the Hancock-Clarke House, all of which offer insights into the early moments of the American Revolution.
Stories from Munroe Tavern
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.
Rebekah Howe Fiske Merriam, a witness to the fighting during the Battles of Lexington and Concord, lived through significant personal and historical events, later remarrying and passing away in 1845.
Located near where Paul Revere was captured during his famous ride, one of Revere's compatriots was able to escape and alert Hartwell family, who continued to raise the alarm about the advancing British troops.