A Fight for Freedom: Retracing the Patriots of Color Along Concord’s Battle Road

CONCORD GUIDED TOUR FIELD GUIDE

A Fight for Freedom: Retracing the Patriots of Color Along Concord’s Battle Road

A free, 90-minute guided walking tour (March 22–June 30) that uncovers the often-overlooked stories of African and Indigenous Patriots of Color at Minuteman National Park.

A Fight for Freedom: Retracing the Patriots of Color Along Concord’s Battle Road.

Duration
Contact operator
Location
Concord
Operator
Town of Concord
Category
Guided Tour
Robert Eric Crews
Founder & Editor, The Adventure Collective
Published Verified

Set along the hallowed sweep of Concord’s Battle Road, A Fight for Freedom is a focused, 90-minute walk that brings into view the African and Indigenous men who took up arms during the American Revolution—figures long marginalized in traditional narratives. Led by park and local staff, the tour traces sites and stories from the North Bridge area through Minuteman National Park, revealing how these Patriots of Color shaped the earliest fights for liberty.

Highlights

Outing Highlights

THE HISTORY

Hidden Footsteps: Patriots of Color

The tour centers on the documented but often overlooked role of African and Indigenous individuals who fought locally during the Revolution—between twenty and forty colonists of African descent or Indigenous fought along the Battle Road on April 19, 1775, and by war’s end an estimated 5,500 served on the colonial side—stories the walk examines and contextualizes.

THE ROUTE

Walking the Battle Road and North Bridge

Stops along the Battle Road and at North Bridge anchor the narrative, placing individual stories in the landscape where these Patriots of Color first took up arms and where visitors can see the physical context of April 19, 1775.

THE COMMUNITY

A Free, Community-Led Initiative

Offered free weekly from March 22 through June 30 and supported in part by the Massachusetts Office of Travel and Tourism, the tour is led by staff from Minuteman National Park, the Robbins House, and the Concord Visitors Center as part of a Concord250 event.

What the day feels like

What the Walk Feels Like

This is a guided, interpretive walking experience: over roughly 90 minutes guides pause at historic sites and along Battle Road to present primary stories and surviving records of African and Indigenous Patriots, connecting individual lives to the larger arc of the Revolution and the long struggle for equality and recognition.

Suitability

Who it's for

Who gets the most from this tour — and who should plan accordingly.

1
History BuffsIdeal for visitors focused on Revolutionary War history who want to explore lesser-known contributors to the conflict and see the sites where they served.
2
Cultural Educators & ResearchersUseful for educators and researchers seeking local, community-centered perspectives on African and Indigenous participation in the Revolution.
3
Local Visitors and Day-TrippersA concise, 90-minute walk that connects familiar Concord landmarks with new narratives—good for those looking for a focused historical outing.
4
Visitors Needing Advance ConfirmationNot a drop-in experience: reservations must be made at least 24 hours in advance because of staffing limitations.

Practical planner

Details to review before reserving

Timing & Season

Offered weekly from March 22 through June 30 as a seasonal program tied to Minuteman National Park events.

Duration

Approximately 90 minutes of guided walking interpretation.

Logistics & Reservations

The tour meets at the North Bridge Lower Lot; reservations must be made at least 24 hours in advance due to staffing.

Cost & Sponsorship

The tour is offered free to the public and is supported in part by the Massachusetts Office of Travel and Tourism and local partners.

Booking Notice

Review cancellation policies before reserving.

Frequently asked questions

Planning Your Outing

How long is the tour?

The guided walking tour runs approximately 90 minutes.

Where does the tour meet?

The tour meets at the North Bridge Lower Lot.

Is there a cost to attend?

The tour is offered free weekly from March 22 through June 30, supported in part by the Massachusetts Office of Travel and Tourism.

Do I need to reserve a spot?

Yes—reservations must be made at least 24 hours in advance due to staffing requirements.

Who leads the tour?

Staff from Minuteman National Park, the Robbins House, and the Concord Visitors Center lead the tour; it is a Town of Concord offering and part of Concord250 programming.

Where can I learn more about the Patriots of Color?

Further information is available through resources provided by the Robbins House and the National Park Service on the Patriots of Color topic.