Towns

MA, USA

Captain Parker Boulder

Monument

Granite boulder marking the approximate line where Captain John Parker's militia stood on April 19, 1775. Inscribed with his reported command.

What Happened Here

The famous quote "Stand your ground. Don't fire unless fired upon, but if they mean to have a war, let it begin here" was added in 1910. Its historical accuracy is debated, but the defiant spirit it captures is well-documented.

Visiting Today

Address

Battle Green, Lexington, MA 02420

Hours

Open daily

Admission

Free

Accessibility

Located on grass; accessible via paved path nearby.

Connected Events

Apr 1775
Paul Revere and William Dawes Warn Lexington

Paul Revere, Samuel Adams, John Hancock

Apr 1775
Hancock and Adams Warned at Clarke House

Paul Revere, Samuel Adams, Dorothy Quincy, John Hancock

Apr 1775
Captain Parker Musters the Militia

Captain John Parker, Jonas Parker

Apr 1775
Adams and Hancock Flee to Safety

Samuel Adams, Paul Revere, John Hancock

Apr 1775
Battle of Lexington

Captain John Parker, Jonas Parker, Prince Estabrook, Jonathan Harrington

Apr 1775
Lexington Depositions Collected

Captain John Parker, Jonas Parker