This Simple Wooden New England Bridge Is A Breathtaking Massachusetts Location Full Of History

The tide of history is unpredictable, flowing uneventfully and still in one moment, then rising and raging all at once. On the crisp spring morning of April 19, 1775, history's course shifted irreversibly on the winding Concord River in the farmlands of Massachusetts at the crossing of a bridge. The North Bridge on the outskirts of the town of Concord, unassuming in its form, came to symbolize the monumental divide between the past, the future, and the birth of an American nation.

Driving into New England's countryside, it is impossible to ignore that nature's melancholic beauty is soaked in history, as every passing town, village, and forest is filled with echoes of the American Revolutionary War. As you make your way northwest on the Massachusetts State Route 2 with Boston fading in the rearview mirror, you find yourself ever closer to the beginning of this story, passing many key sites such as the town of Lexington, known for being "the birthplace of American liberty." Although the drive from Boston to the North Bridge should take less than an hour, the temptation for a history lover not to make a stop at every landmark can be a true test of willpower.

After passing through the town of Concord, you can park your car in the designated lot on the east side of 298 Monument Street and make your way to the North Bridge on foot. Should nature call after the drive, public restrooms are available nearby. Once relieved, steady your breath as you are about to step into history itself.

Once you reach the legendary Old North Bridge, try closing your eyes for a minute to imagine the iconic "shot heard 'round the world" that ignited the American War for Independence right in this very spot. Standing off to one side, imagine watching Colonial Militia take up their position on the riverbank across from you. British soldiers, men of one of the mightiest empires in the world at that time, assembled on the eastern side of this humble wooden structure. The British opened fire first, beginning a war that would release the American colonies from England and lay the foundation for the United States of America.

Opening your eyes, you are now back in the present and at liberty to cross the North Bridge with reverence. Passing the Minute Man Statue on the western bank, take a moment to inspect this iconic memorial that was cast from old Civil War cannons, dedicated to the first colonial militia that fell during that defining battle. Enjoy the beautifully kept grounds as you make your way to the North Bridge Visitor Center, housing immersive exhibits explaining the battle over the bridge, as well as a short film. It is open from July through October, between 10 a.m. and 5 p.m., but be sure to check the website before visiting to make sure there are no closures.

The North Bridge is but one of many historical landmarks in the area, and should you wish to dedicate a weekend to exploring, staying in one of America's most storied inns in downtown Concord is an opportunity of a lifetime. Before heading back to Boston to meet up with friends in America's oldest public park, the Boston Common, you can let your brain absorb all the rich history with a bit of nature. The Hapgood Wright Forest off of Walden Street was a beloved walking ground for literary greats, such as Henry David Thoreau and Ralph Waldo Emerson.