Immerse Yourself In American History At One Of The Oldest Inns In The US
Just about every historic hotel boasts a ghost or two, and the Colonial Inn in Concord, Massachusetts, is no different. With a rich and colorful history dating back to the 18th Century and the American Revolutionary War, it's one of those places where you can almost feel the past ingrained in the woodwork. If the legends are to be believed, some of its previous residents have lingered here long after they passed away, and ghost hunters travel from all over the country to spend the night in the haunted Room 24.
The Colonial is one of the oldest inns in America and retains its old-world vibe. Even though it has all the modern amenities, it doesn't take a massive stretch of imagination to expect one of its illustrious guests of yesteryear to wander in while you're enjoying a drink in the wood-paneled bar: Perhaps Franklin D. Roosevelt in search of a gin martini or an Old Fashioned, as was his custom.
The former American President isn't the only famous visitor to the Colonial in the past. The hotel has also welcomed Henry David Thoreau, author of "Walden" (he'd probably order a glass of water), First Lady Jackie Kennedy (a Negroni with a twist), tycoon J.P. Morgan (a Manhattan cocktail), and Shirley Temple, child star of the '30s, no doubt thirsty for a Shirley Temple. In short, the Colonial Inn is not only a great place to stay but a must-visit for connoisseurs of American history.
The history of the Colonial Inn
The Colonial Inn started life as three separate buildings, with the earliest built by Captain James Minot, a respected doctor and lawyer, in 1716. When the famous "shot heard around the world" sparked events that led to the American Revolutionary War in 1775, the central portion of the current hotel was ready to do its bit. Used as a storehouse for munitions leading up to the conflict, it also cared for wounded patriot soldiers. The Liberty Room, now one of the hotel's restaurants, was used as a hospital, and Dr. Timothy Minot Jr., Captain Minot's son, performed surgery in Room 24. Those who didn't make it were kept in Room 27, which served as a morgue.
After the war, one part of the property was sold in 1799 to John Thoreau, grandfather of the famous naturalist and author Henry David Thoreau. All three buildings were acquired and later converted into a guesthouse in the mid-19th Century. Initially, it was simply called Thoreau House but later became known as Concord's Colonial Inn after it changed hands again in 1900. In the 20th Century, the hotel developed a luxurious reputation, attracting many famous guests. In fact, several members of the Kennedy family took rooms there when visiting Caroline Kennedy, who studied at Concord Academy. In modern times, it is still known as one of the finest historic hotels in New England.
The Colonial Inn is surrounded by history
The Colonial Inn is located on a pleasant leafy square in downtown Concord, around a 40-minute drive away from Boston. Like the hotel, the area is steeped in history: dating back to 1635, it was one of the first English settlements built away from the coast, and the centerpiece of the square is an obelisk commemorating the local men who died during the American Civil War. Nearby is Old Hill Burying Ground, with graves as old as 1677; the home of Mary Rice, who was involved with the Underground Railroad and lobbied President Lincoln to help free enslaved children; and the house where Louisa May Alcott wrote "Little Women."
The Inn itself is immaculate yet modest, earning a reputable reputation over the years. Tripadvisor customers rate it four stars out of five, praising the food, service, and historic atmosphere. While there are a few decent restaurants in Concord, the Colonial Inn is one of the city's destination places to dine in, with three options onsite. Check out the Sunday brunch in the classy dining room of Merchants Row and chow down on unpretentious American fare in the Village Forge Tavern or historic Liberty Room. If you're a fan of things that will creep you out, don't worry if you can't secure Room 24 — ghosts have been spotted at various other locations around the hotel over the years!