Historic Site | Historic House

Old Belfry Tower

The sound of liberty rang from this bell in the early morning of April 19, 1775, to call forth the Lexington militia. Today, a reconstructed belfry stands as a reminder of the militia's bravery and determination at the Battle of Lexington and Concord.

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Lexington, MA

In 1761, Isaac Stone donated a bell to the town of Lexington. Weighing over four hundred pounds, it was hung in a belfry built the following year. In 1768, the belfry was relocated to the town common. The bell tolled to summon people to worship, warn of danger, or observe deaths. Early on April 19, 1775, Captain John Parker used the bell to summon the Lexington militia to the Green after Paul Revere brought word that British troops were approaching.

In 1909, a storm destroyed the belfry. It was rebuilt in 1910 and moved to its current location in 1913, back on the original hill where it was first built. The bell rings at 5:30 AM on Patriots’ Day, the state holiday marking the battles at Lexington and Concord. Nearby, visitors can explore the Lexington Battle Green, Buckman Tavern, and the Hancock-Clarke House, all of which engage the visitor with this defining moment in American history.

What's Nearby

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

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Paul Revere warns Hancock & Adams to flee

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Munroe Tavern in Lexington, Massachusetts

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Percy's HQ prior to Lexington & Concord

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Paul Revere's Midnight Ride capture site

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Exterior of the Jason Russell House

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Some of the bloodiest fighting of Lexington & Concord

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Exterior of Meriams Corner

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Site of a militia ambush during Lexington & Concord

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The North Bridge at Minuteman National Park

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Site of the first shots at Lexington & Concord

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Battle of Bunker Hill depicted by Don Troiani

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Militia are narrowly defeated by British forces

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Old North Church in Boston, Massachusetts

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One if by land, two if by sea

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Equestrian statue of George Washington on the Boston Common

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British assemble to march on Lexington & Concord

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Home of Paul Revere

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Home of Paul and Rachel Revere

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The Old State House in Boston, Massachusetts

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Site of the Boston massacre

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Faneuil Hall Square in Boston

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Epicenter of Boston political life

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American soldiers overlook Boston from Dorchester Heights

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Colonists besiege the British garrison in Boston

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Stories from Old Belfry Tower

Biography

A militia captain from Lexington, Parker played a pivotal role in the first battle of the American Revolution at Lexington Green in April 1775, where he led his men against British forces.

Biography

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.

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