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Lexington, Massachusetts, Revolutionary Monument, 1900, historic photo

Lexington, Massachusetts, Revolutionary Monument, 1900, historic photo

An historic photo view of the Revolutionary Monument, Lexington, Massachusetts. Dedicated on July 4, 1799, this is the oldest war memorial in America. The monument was erected as a memorial to men who fought the British in what historians refer to as the first battle of the Revolutionary War. It was here that a group of about 80 militiamen led by Captain John Parker met a larger British force on the Green of Lexington, Massachusetts. In all, eight of the American militiamen were killed here. In 1835, the remains of these eight were reburied at the site of the memorial. The inscription on the memorial reads:

"Sacred to Liberty & the Rights of mankind!!!
The Freedom & Independence of America,
Sealed & defended with the blood of her sons.

This Monument is erected
By the inhabitants of Lexington,
Under the patronage & at the expense of
The Commonwealth of Massachusetts,
To the memory of their Fellow Citizens,
Ensign Robert Munroe, Messrs. Jonas Parker,
Samuel Hadley, Jonathan Harrington Junr.
Isaac Muzzy, Caleb Harrington and John Brown
Of Lexington & Asahel Porter of Woburn,
Who fell on this field, the first Victims to the
Sword of British Tyranny & Oppression.
On the morning of the ever memorable
Nineteenth of April, An. Dom. 1775.
The Die was cast!!!
The Blood of these Martyr's,
In the cause of God & their Country,
Was the Cement of the Union of these States, then
Colonies: & gave the spring to the spirit, Firmness
And resolution of their Fellow Citizens.
They rose as one man to revenge their brethren's
Blood and at the point of the sword to assert &
Defend their native Rights.
They nobly dar'd to be free !!
The contest was long, bloody & affecting;
Righteous Heaven approved the solemn appeal;
Victory crowned their arms; and
The Peace, Liberty & Independence of the United
States of America, was their glorious Reward.

Built in the year 1799."

This photo is by Detroit Publishing Co., 1900. See the addtional view below.

MA-Lexington-Massachusetts-Monument-to-Men-Who-Fell-on-Lexington-Green-April-19-1775-vintage-postcard

A vintage postcard of the Revolutionary Monument at Lexington, Massachusetts. In the background is the Buckman Tavern where the militiamen had gathered before they assembled on the Lexington Green. This postcard view is from about 1915.

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