1775 - 1824
During the American Revolution, communities began placing markers and gravestones in local cemeteries to commemorate the graves of soldiers and patriots. These early markers often featured inscriptions and symbols denoting the service of the individuals laid to rest there. Some of these individuals would be re-interred later, as communities came to desire more generalized memorials of the American Revolution and surrounding events.
Starting around 1780, Americans began thinking of the Revolutionary War as a significant historical event. Although the war did not officially end until 1783, various towns and cities began initiating efforts to honor the memory of local veterans and events. This was especially true in Massachusetts and New Hampshire, which had been so affected by the early events of the war. Communities like Lexington and Concord were among the first to create monuments to their early battles.
April 19, 1775
Battles of Concord and Lexington
June 17, 1775
Battle of Bunker Hill, Charlestown
July 4, 1776
Congress Adopts the Declaration on Independence
Burying grounds
When the American Revolution broke out on April 19, 1775, the minutemen and militiamen who answered the call to arms were local farmers, artisans, and merchants from the communities nearby the first battle sites. Some of those men would die in battle just miles away from their hometowns. But even those who marched to New York and points south often returned to Massachusetts or New Hampshire to live out the rest of their days. As a result, the cemeteries throughout Freedom’s Way National Heritage Area are the final resting place for hundreds of soldiers who served in the American Revolution.
September 23, 1783
U.S. and Great Britain sign the Treaty of Paris officially ending the American Revolutionary War
September 17, 1787
The U.S. Constitution is written and signed
1799
Revolutionary War Monument on Lexington Common dedicated on July 4th. It is the oldest war memorial in the United States.
1800
25th Anniversary of the Battles of Concord & Lexington
1825 - 1874
Throughout the 19th century, the tradition of erecting Revolutionary monuments expanded in the region. Communities began to recognize the importance of preserving and commemorating their local history and heritage as they related to the American Revolution. The American Civil War near the middle of the century and the Centennial of American Independence near the end of the century had significant impacts on how Americans thought about memorials and memorialization.
1825
50th Anniversary of the Battles of Concord & Lexington
1835
Concord Celebrates the Bicentennial of its Founding
1837
Emerson’s poem “The Concord Hymn” first sung
1843
Bunker Hill Monument, Charlestown is dedicated on June 17th
1844
Last surviving soldier of the Battles of Concord and Lexington dies
1848
Revolutionary War Monument in Arlington was erected. Dedicated in June of that year, it honors those killed in Menotomy on April 19, 1775, the first day of the Revolutionary War.
1851
The 75th Anniversary of the Signing of the Declaration of Independence
1851
The cornerstone of the Issac Davis Monument was laid on August 20, 1851, followed by a formal dedication ceremony on October 29, 1851. The dedication was described by historian James Fletcher as a “day to be remembered by every loyal citizen of the town; indeed, by everyone present true to the flag of the Union.”
1865
End of the Civil War
1868
Memorial (Decoration) Day first widely observed on May 30th
1870
Grave of the British Soldiers is installed at Concord’s Old North Bridge. It marks the final resting place of the first British soldiers killed on April 19, 1775, during the Battle of Concord.
1873
Granite Monument on Town Common, Hollis dedicated on May 30th
1875 - 1924
Monuments following the Civil War era took a more holistic approach, often honoring veterans from multiple wars. They also made interesting philosophical shifts, honoring the dead of the “opposing force” as in the case of the Grave of the British Soldiers, or alluding sympathetically to the atrocities of war. These monuments serve as a poignant reminder that although Reconstruction had begun, post-Civil War America would never be the same.
1875
The Minute Man designed by Daniel Chester French is dedicated at the Old North Bridge on April 19th
1925 - 1974
In the 20th century, while new monuments were created, the preservation of Revolutionary War monuments became a priority. Historical societies, veterans organizations, and local governments took on the responsibility of maintaining and restoring these landmarks to ensure their longevity. Local chapters of groups like the DAR and SAR became increasingly involved in community commemorations. In 1930, the Massachusetts Tercentenary kicked off a massive memorialization movement in the Commonwealth, while the American Bicentennial in the 1970s spurred an even larger nationwide movement.
1843
Bunker Hill Monument, Charlestown is dedicated on June 17th
1844
Last surviving soldier of the Battles of Concord and Lexington dies
1851
The 75th Anniversary of the Signing of the Declaration of Independence
1865
End of the Civil War
1868
Memorial (Decoration) Day first widely observed on May 30th
1975 - Today
Need copy here.
April 19, 1775
Battles of Concord and Lexington
June 17, 1775
Battle of Bunker Hill, Charlestown
July 4, 1776
Congress Adopts the Declaration on Independence
Burying grounds
When the American Revolution broke out on April 19, 1775, the minutemen and militiamen who answered the call to arms were local farmers, artisans, and merchants from the communities nearby the first battle sites. Some of those men would die in battle just miles away from their hometowns. But even those who marched to New York and points south often returned to Massachusetts or New Hampshire to live out the rest of their days. As a result, the cemeteries throughout Freedom’s Way National Heritage Area are the final resting place for hundreds of soldiers who served in the American Revolution.
