Free Topo Maps of Minute Man National Historical Park

Download free topo maps of Minute Man National Historical Park. Use the adjoining 7.5 minute quadrangle legend to locate the Massachusetts maps you need.

Adjoining 7.5' Quadrangle Legend

Minute Man National Historical Park

Minute Man National Historical Park was established in 1959 to commemorate and to protect historical areas and structures associated with the start of the American Revolution. The Park presently preserves 971 acres located in Lexington, Concord and the town of Lincoln. There are two Visitor Centers, the Minute Man Visitor Center and the Home of Authors and Wayside Visitor Center. The North Bridge at Concord was a strategic military victory for the patriots, who won a battle with the British, referred to as loyalists. The first "shot heard 'round the world'" was actually a few miles from North Bridge in Lexington, Massachusetts marking the beginning of the American Revolutionary War. Over a million visitors flock to this historical place each year, many of them are international visitors. The battlefields of April 19, 1775 and the "witness" structures are located along the battlefields. There are many daily Ranger Programs during the spring through fall, interpreting these events. Explore how and when the patriots were called Minute Men, watch the "The Road to Revolution" showing Paul Revere's Ride at the multimedia theater, explore the exhibits or hike along the Battle Road Trail. The Wayside Visitor Center is in a section of the Home of the Authors who lived, wrote and contributed to the resurgence in American literature. The Wayside was built circa 1700 eventually becoming the home of Concord Minute Man, Samuel Whitney. It later became home to Louisa May Alcott, who wrote "Little Women" and then to Nathaniel Hawthorne whose novel "The Scarlet Letter", is renowned. Margaret Sidney author of the children's series called the "Five Little Peppers" also owned this home and lived here; with her daughter Margaret Lothrop, they were instrumental in the preservation of The Wayside. Hartwell Tavern, like The Wayside is another "witness" along the battlefield that marked the beginning of the Revolutionary War. This home and tavern was owned by patriots, whose owners played a significant part in the defense of the North Bridge when Paul Revere was captured by the British. Several of their sons also fought with the Minute Men, and the tavern served as a stop for up-to-date news. Take advantage of the Ranger interpretive talks and tours during the year to learn more about the people who were instrumental to the war effort, including the role that many women played during these times. Explore the way the colonists lived, see the "witness" home of Minute Man Captain William Smith; this circa 1600s restored home is where Smith's wife Catherine took care of a wounded soldier who was left behind by the British.