The North Bridge at Minuteman National Park
National Park | Battlefield

North Bridge

The site of the famous "Shot Heard Around the World," the Old North Bridge served as the flashpoint of the American Revolution. To this day, historians debate who fired the first shot, here, which led to the Battle of Lexington and Concord.

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Concord , MA

The bridge that stands here today is a reconstruction of a bridge built in 1956, the fifth bridge to stand in this location as the original bridge that stood here in April 1775 was torn down in 1788. British troops under Captain Walter Laurie were assigned to guard this bridge, while another detachment went to search the farmstead of James Barrett for hidden weapons and supplies. The 115 British soldiers at the bridge watched as hundreds of militiamen from Concord and neighboring towns gathered in a nearby field.

In Concord, British troops set fire to military supplies they had discovered. In turn, the rising smoke convinced the militia that the British were burning the town, prompting them to advance towards the bridge. When they were within 50 yards, a shot rang out, causing the battle to commence. In the resulting exchange of fire, two militiamen and three British soldiers were killed, and several more on both sides were wounded. The “shot heard ‘round the world” had been fired.

The British fell back over the bridge into Concord. The militia pursued briefly, then returned to their original positions outside the town. As more militia rallied around Concord, the British prepared to march back to Boston. Today, visitors can explore the Old North Bridge, preserved as part of Minute Man National Historical Park. Nearby, the Minute Man Statue, the Barrett House, and the Concord Museum offer further insights into the early battles of the American Revolution.

What's Nearby

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

The North Bridge at Minuteman National Park

Concord, MA 01742

Site of the first shots at Lexington & Concord

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Exterior of Meriams Corner

Concord, MA 01742

Site of a militia ambush during Lexington & Concord

2.6098805343701

Lincoln, MA 01773

Paul Revere's Midnight Ride capture site

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5.4857994224012
10.088358475832
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10.163862586715

Lexington, MA 02420

Paul Revere warns Hancock & Adams to flee

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Munroe Tavern in Lexington, Massachusetts

Lexington, MA 02420

Percy's HQ prior to Lexington & Concord

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Exterior of the Jason Russell House

Arlington, MA 02476

Some of the bloodiest fighting of Lexington & Concord

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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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Equestrian statue of George Washington on the Boston Common

Boston, MA 02111

British assemble to march on Lexington & Concord

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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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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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Home of Paul Revere

Boston, MA 02113

Home of Paul and Rachel Revere

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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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Stories from North Bridge

Biography

Captain Isaac Davis, a Massachusetts Minuteman leader, was the first American officer killed in the Revolutionary War at the Battle of Concord on April 19, 1775.

Trail Site

This building was the home of the captain of the Lincoln Minutemen, William Smith, who led his men at the Lexington Green on April 19, 1775.

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.