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Lexington is a town in Middlesex County, Massachusetts, United States. The population was 30,355 at the 2000 census. The town is famous for being the site of the opening shots of the Battles of Lexington and Concord, the first engagement of the American Revolution. History
Lexington was first settled in 1642 as the Cambridge Farms parish of Cambridge, Massachusetts and was incorporated as a separate town in 1713[1]. It was named in honor of Lord Lexington, a British nobleman.[2] Some believe it was named after Lexington (which was pronounced and today spelled Laxton) in Nottinghamshire, England[3]. Every year, on the third Monday of April, the town observes Patriot's Day. Events begin with Paul Revere's Ride, with a special re-enactment of the scene on the Battle Green. At 6 a.m., there is a re-enactment of the skirmish on the Battle Green, with shots being fired both from the Battle Green and the nearby Buckman Tavern to take into account the fact that no one knows where the first shot was fired from, or by whom. After the rout, the British march on toward Concord. The battle in Lexington allowed the Concord militia time to organize at the Old North Bridge, where they were able to turn back the British and prevent them from capturing and destroying the militia's arms stores. The actual events occurred on April 19, 1775. Throughout the rest of the year many tourists enjoy tours of the town's historic landmarks such as Buckman Tavern, Monroe Tavern, and the Hancock-Clarke house, which are maintained by the town's historical society. Research Tips
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