Isaac Davis Trail Explained

Isaac Davis Trail
Location:Concord, Massachusetts & Acton, Massachusetts
Coordinates:42.48°N -71.3992°W
Built:1775
Architect:Isaac Davis & Minutemen
Added:April 11, 1972
Refnum:72001347

The Isaac Davis Trail, also known as the Acton Trail, is an historic 6miles trail running east–west in the towns of Acton and Concord, Massachusetts. The trail was significant in 1775 when it was used by Captain Isaac Davis and the Acton Minutemen to march on Concord during the battles of Lexington and Concord.[1] The trail was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1972.

The trail begins at Isaac Davis' house[2] in Acton, and ends at western end of the North Bridge in the Minuteman National Historical Park in Concord. Most of the route is now paved roads, where in some cases the alignment no longer matches the exact route. Despite this, the trail route evokes the time of the march, with its roadways lined with stone walls, and houses generally set back from the street. The trail first runs northeast about 1.25miles northeast, along Hayward Rd, Musket Dr, Minuteman Rd, Woodbury Ln, and Main St. It then turns more directly east for 1.5miles, along a town-owned easement on private property, to Strawberry Hill Rd. It follows Strawberry Hill Rd southerly for 1.75miles to Barrett's Mill Rd, which runs easterly 0.75miles to meet Lowell Rd in Concord. It crosses Lowell Rd, following Barnes Hill Rd and crossing Liberty Rd to reach the Muster Field above the North Bridge.[3]

Events

The Isaac Davis Trailmarch[4] is held each year on Patriots' Day.

See also

Notes and References

  1. Web site: Isaac Davis Camporee. 2009-01-07. Isaac Davis Camporee.
  2. Web site: Isaac Davis Home Site. Acton Historical Society. en. 2018-05-04.
  3. Web site: NRHP nomination for Isaac Davis Trail. Commonwealth of Massachusetts. 2014-05-03.
  4. Web site: Isaac Davis Trailmarch. 5 August 2021 . Acton Minutemen.