Resolution Celebrates Park’s 50^th Anniversary

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today the House of Representatives approved a resolution sponsored by Reps. Edward J. Markey (D-Mass.) and Niki Tsongas (D-Mass.) honoring the Minute Man National Historical Park on its 50th Anniversary.

“Since its inception 50 years ago, Minute Man National Historical Park has educated millions of people not just about the momentous events of those spring days in April 1775, but about the ideals of liberty, freedom and self-determination which remain the core of our American character,” said Markey. “America’s story of independence continues to be a source of inspiration to people all over the world. The Minute Man National Historical Park ensures that these iconic places will be preserved so that future generations can learn about the role that Lexington, Lincoln, Concord and ‘every Middlesex village and farm’ played in the birth of our nation.”

The Minute Man Nation Historical Park encompasses more than 1,000 acres in the historic communities of Lexington, Lincoln, and Concord, Massachusetts.  It includes areas such as Concord’s North Bridge, where the American militia were first ordered to fire on British soldiers. It features Paul Revere’s capture site, where his famous “Midnight Ride” to warn the colonists that British soldiers were marching to Concord came to its conclusion.  The Park also features The Wayside, a house that was in turn home to celebrated authors Louisa May Alcott, Nathaniel Hawthorne and Margaret Sidney. 

Since its inception on September 21, 1959, the park has played a vital role in protecting and preserving the sites in the towns of Lexington, Lincoln and Concord where the American Revolution began. For 50 years, the park has educated millions of Americans about the extraordinary events that led to the birth of our nation.

Sen. John Kerry (D-Mass.) introduced a similar measure in the Senate. Massachusetts Reps. Frank, McGovern, Olver, Tierney, Delahunt, Neal and Capuano are also sponsors of the House measure.