The Soldiers’ Grave Near The Josiah Nelson Farm

A large boulder near the former Josiah Nelson Farm at the Lincoln-Lexington town line was the purported hideout of Patriot William Throning, who claimed to have killed two British soldiers along this stretch of the Battle Road on April 19, 1775. While Throning’s story is difficult to verify, other accounts by 19th century historian Frank Coburn indicated that two British soldiers were buried in this area. One soldier reportedly dropped on the doorstep of the Nelson home, and was buried nearby after succumbing to his injuries.

A stone with a bronze plaque placed by the National Park Service as part of the 2000 Battle Road Trail project in Minute Man National Historical Park indicates the likely resting place of these casualties.

This marker's inscription reads:

Near Here Are Buried
British Soldiers
April 19, 1775