My Genealogy Hound

Lexington, Massachusetts, The Old Belfry, 1900-1906, historic photo

An historic photo view of The Old Belfry, Lexington, Massachusetts. This bell was used to notify the local citizens of fires or other dangers, as a call to worship, or to announce a death. After the arrival of Paul Revere on his famed ride, April 19, 1775, the bell rang out to notify the Lexington Militia to assemble due to the approach of the British troops. At sunrise on April 19, 1775, "the shot heard round the world" marked the beginning of the first military engagement of the Revolutionary War, now known as the Battle of Lexington.

The sign over the doorway reads: "This belfry was erected on this hill in 1761 and removed to the common in 1768. In it was hung the bell which rung out the alarm on the 19th of April, 1775. In 1797 it was removed to the Parker homestead in the south part of town. In 1891 it was brought back to this spot by the Lexington Historical Society."

The original old belfry shown in this photo was destroyed by a gale wind on June 20, 1909. A replica of the building was constructed in March, 1910 and is still standing.

This photo is by Detroit Publishing Co., 1900-1906.