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September 27, 2007
The Battle Road
I went for a bike ride early the other morning on the Battle Road through the Minuteman National Park. It is a dirt road/path(no cars) that meanders through shaded glens, past historic farms, and by carefully restored colonial buildings. It traces part of the route along which British soldiers and American colonists battle on the April 19th, 1775, the first day of the American Revolution.
It is a ride I go on often. In the early mornings, before the tourist foot traffic gets too heavy, it is quite peaceful-a great deal more peaceful than it likely was back on the historic day!
One of my favorite buildings on the path is the William Smith house. (Click on the picture at left to see a larger version.) More than any other building in the park, it always looks to me as if it was just plucked from the 18th century and plopped into the 20th for our viewing history. I don’t know if it is the materials, the setting, or what, but it calls to me every time I ride by.
BTW, William Smith was one of the commanders of the Lincoln Militia, which played an active role in the fighting that day. Although you may not have heard of him, you might know his sister Abigail Smith, who some years before had married an up and coming lawyer named John Adams.
Ah, recreation and revolution all in one bike ride. A great way to start the day!
Posted by rickbeyer at September 27, 2007 08:30 PM
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