Barrett's Farm: A Bastion of Liberty
An academic exploration of Colonel James Barrett's pivotal role and his homestead's significance during the opening conflict of the American Revolutionary War.
Historical Context ๐ Munitions Cache โ๏ธDive in with Flashcard Learning!
๐ฎ Play the Wiki2Web Clarity Challenge Game๐ฎ
Historical Context
Prelude to Revolution
The Col. James Barrett Farm stands as a significant site intrinsically linked to the commencement of the American Revolutionary War. Specifically, it is associated with the pivotal 1775 Battles of Lexington and Concord, the initial military engagements of the conflict. Colonel James Barrett, a commanding officer of the Concord militia, played a crucial role in the events leading up to and during these battles.
The British Objective
On the morning of April 19, 1775, British Regulars, under the direct orders of General Thomas Gage, embarked on a strategic march from Boston. Their objective was to advance inland to Concord, approximately twenty miles distant. The primary aims of this expedition were to seize and confiscate the provincial militia's cache of munitions and raid the arsenal located at the provincial farm, thereby neutralizing a significant threat to British authority.
Colonial Resistance
The British advance was met with determined resistance not only in Lexington but also in Concord. Prior to the arrival of the British forces and their subsequent search, the vital stores of munitions had been strategically concealed in a nearby field. This clandestine operation, orchestrated by the colonial militia, proved successful, as the British troops were unable to locate and confiscate these critical supplies.
A Vital Munitions Cache
Strategic Storage
Colonel James Barrett's farm served as the primary repository for the town of Concord's militia's military supplies. This included a substantial quantity of gunpowder, essential weaponry, and notably, two prized pairs of bronze cannons. The strategic importance of this location was underscored by secret British intelligence reports, which identified it as a key site for colonial military assets.
Intelligence and Secrecy
The successful concealment of these munitions highlights the effectiveness of the colonial intelligence network and the commitment of individuals like Colonel Barrett. The ability to move and hide such critical war materiel under the noses of British forces demonstrated a sophisticated level of organization and dedication to the cause of independence, directly thwarting a key objective of the British expedition.
Architectural & Historical Significance
Enduring Structure
The farmhouse at the Col. James Barrett Farm was originally constructed in 1705. This structure has stood for centuries, bearing witness to significant historical events. Its architectural integrity and historical associations led to its formal recognition and addition to the U.S. National Register of Historic Places (NRHP) on November 15, 1973, under reference number 73000290.
Geographic Context
The farm is situated in Concord, Massachusetts, a locale rich in American Revolutionary War history. Its coordinates are approximately 42ยฐ28โฒ22.53โณN 71ยฐ22โฒ50.86โณW, placing it within the broader landscape of the conflict's opening engagements.
Preservation and Restoration
From Disrepair to Renewal
Over time, the historic farmhouse experienced significant disrepair. Recognizing its historical value, the organization "Save Our Heritage" undertook an extensive restoration project spanning eight years. This meticulous effort aimed to preserve the structure's authenticity and historical narrative for future generations.
Funding the Past
The comprehensive restoration of the Barrett Farm was made possible through a combination of funding sources. This included dedicated local contributions, private donations, and a crucial grant awarded by the U.S. Department of the Interior. This multi-faceted financial support underscored the collective commitment to preserving this important piece of American history.
Integration into National Park
Legislative Action
In March 2009, a significant legislative milestone was achieved when the U.S. Congress passed a bill to formally incorporate Colonel James Barrett's Farm into the esteemed Minute Man National Historical Park. This act recognized the farm's integral role in the narrative of the American Revolution and ensured its protection and interpretation within a national context.
National Park Service Acquisition
Following the legislative designation, the National Park Service formally obtained ownership of the Barrett House and its surrounding 3.4 acres in August 2012. This transfer of ownership from "Save Our Heritage" solidified the site's status as a protected federal historic property. A celebratory event was held in October 2012 to commemorate the completion of the restoration and the official transfer of ownership.
Community Support
Congresswoman Niki Tsongas was instrumental in advocating for and facilitating the inclusion of Barrett's Farm into the national park system. Her support was pivotal in navigating the legislative process. She participated in the celebratory event, highlighting the collaborative effort between federal agencies, preservation organizations, and the local community in safeguarding this historic landmark.
Teacher's Corner
Edit and Print this course in the Wiki2Web Teacher Studio
Click here to open the "Col. James Barrett Farm" Wiki2Web Studio curriculum kit
Use the free Wiki2web Studio to generate printable flashcards, worksheets, exams, and export your materials as a web page or an interactive game.
True or False?
Test Your Knowledge!
Gamer's Corner
Are you ready for the Wiki2Web Clarity Challenge?
Unlock the mystery image and prove your knowledge by earning trophies. This simple game is addictively fun and is a great way to learn!
Play now
References
References
- Allen French, pp. 156, 179.
- Minute Man National Park news announcement, October 2012.
Feedback & Support
To report an issue with this page, or to find out ways to support the mission, please click here.
Disclaimer
Important Notice
This page has been generated by an Artificial Intelligence and is intended for informational and educational purposes exclusively. The content is derived from a specific snapshot of publicly available data and may not encompass all nuances or the most current historical interpretations. While efforts have been made to ensure accuracy based on the provided source, historical scholarship is an evolving field.
This is not professional historical advice. The information presented should not substitute for in-depth academic research or consultation with qualified historians or preservation experts. Always consult primary sources and peer-reviewed historical analyses for comprehensive understanding.
The creators of this page are not responsible for any inaccuracies or omissions, nor for any actions taken based upon the information herein.