MA, USA
Worcester Common
Landmark
The civic center of Worcester since the town's founding in 1722. The common served as a militia training ground and public gathering space. On September 6, 1774, approximately 4,700 armed citizens assembled here to force the closure of the royal courts — one of the first collective acts of resistance in Massachusetts.
What Happened Here
The September 1774 courthouse closing predated Lexington by seven months. Judge Timothy Paine was forced to resign his Crown appointment in front of the assembled crowd.
Visiting Today
Address
Worcester Common, Main Street, Worcester, MA 01608
Hours
Open daily
Admission
Free
Accessibility
Paved paths throughout; fully accessible
Connected Events
Oct 1765
Aug 1774
Timothy Paine Forced to Resign
Timothy Paine
Sep 1774
Worcester Court Closure
Timothy Paine
Sep 1774
Apr 1775
Massachusetts Spy Relocates to Worcester
Isaiah Thomas