Spent most of the afternoon over wandering around the streets of Concord Mass. Lots of people out today doing the same thing so it had a bit of a festive air to the trip. Saw a lot of neat old buildings and read a lot of historical marker signs. You can't hardly throw a rock in that town with out hitting something that had to do with the beginnings of this country.

    Also hiked out to the site of the old 'North Bridge' over the Concord River. It was at that site on April 19, 1775 that Colonial Militia Men and a regiment of the British Kings Soldiers came together in the first battle of the American Revolutionary War. It was there, after the British had fired on the minute men and killed two of them, that the order to "Fire, fellow soldiers, for God's sake fire!" was given and the "Shot heard around the world" was fired. Two British Redcoats were killed immediately at that point and one other died later of wounds he received.  It was the start of a very bloody 8 years war, but it had now started and there was no turning back after that.

    It should be noted that the saying, 'The shot heard around the world', was coined by Ralph Waldo Emerson to describe the significance of the battle that had taken place next to his home. It is amazing to think that it all started right here in this area.

Below are a few photo's from today's excursion into Concord.

There were 5 churches that I counted within sight of the towns main square. I liked the looks of this one and how the steeple complimented the colors on the trees.

Another view of the same steeple.

The 'Wright Tavern', built in 1747 and the place where many of the local patriots would meet to foment their plans for rebellion. Wouldn't it be neat if you could sit in on those discussions between Adams, Revere and Franklin.

The plaque on the outside wall of the tavern.

Another one of those churches.

One more view.

A newer sign for a very old building. They were serving lunch out on the porch and patio as I went by. Yet another piece of history to see and enjoy.

Passed this house by and was captivated by the highly stylized eaves it had. It looked even better against the backdrop of the changing leaves.

A hawthorn tree off of the Minute Man park near downtown Concord.

The original house of the Rev. William Emerson, father of Ralph Waldo Emerson, about 200 yards from the North Bridge over the Concord River. For some reason this building is called the 'Old Manse'. It was from here  that the family watched the first skirmish between the British and Americans that started the Revolutionary War.

A very attractive house. I took this shot because the grapevine growing on the side of the house is suppose to be a 'start', or clone, of one of the very first 'Concord Grape Vines' developed in this area.

A view of the North Bridge over the Concord River from the hill the Americans were assembled on. It was here that the first American bullets were fired at the British.

A closer view of the bridge. Not the original of course, that one rotted away long ago. But this one is suppose to look like the original would of.

Looking downstream from the bridge.

There were several docents running around in period costume answering questions that people might have. I was impressed with how well they could stay in character.

A grave marker commemorating the first British soldiers to die in the war.

One of the best wooden stairways I have ever seen. Take a look at the 3 different types of turned balusters at each step. This is at the National Parks headquarters building.

A very nice cut glass chandelier to augment the foyer.

A couple more docents.

Also took some time to walk over to the 'Sleepy Hollow Cemetery' there in town. I always like how the grey of the monuments is set off by the color of the tree leaves at this time of year.

Several famous people are buried in this cemetery. Here is the grave site of Ralph Waldo Emerson.

Didn't run across any thing that would tie this cemetery to Washington Irving's 'The Legend of Sleepy Hollow', but it could certainly have been the model for his story. Especially at this time of year.

The grave site of Louisa May Alcott. I found it interesting that people would leave pens and pencils here as well as the button that says 'Vote for Women'. She was one of the first women to campaign for voting rights for women.

Another view of all the grave sites. This was a huge cemetery and took a lot of walking to get around.

The grave site of the Hawthorne Family. Nathaniel's is the half round one in the back.

More trees

The Thoreau family plot. Henry Davids is in the back to the left of the large monument.

A closer look at Henry David Thoreau's grave. Like several of the others people seemed to want to leave pens and pencils here.