The following was submitted by the Westford Minutemen. To submit your own content, e-mail us at asylvia@westfordcat.org
This year we commemorate the 240th anniversary of Westford’s contributions to the events at Lexington and Concord. We’re also marking the 41st anniversary of the Col. John Robinson Trail walk, established to commemorate the march made by Westford’s minute and militia men on that important day in 1775.
Members of the Westford Colonial Minutemen welcome all who are interested in taking part in this special event. Departing at 5:00am onMonday, April 20th from the Westford common, the former militia training field, we will walk the 10 miles to Concord’s North Bridge, retracing the steps of those who became Westford’s first Revolutionary War soldiers. After arriving at the bridge, participants can join in the annual Patriot’s Day celebrations in Concord.
In the early 1970s, as the bicentennial of the Revolutionary War approached, members of the Westford Minutemen researched the most probable route taken by Westford men as they responded to the “Lexington Alarm.” From this work a map was produced and the route was named after Westford’s John Robinson, Lt. Colonel of the local minuteman regiment. Robinson is best remembered for his role in helping to lead – along with Concord’s Major John Buttrick and Acton’s Capt. Isaac Davis – the column of minute and militia men whose march toward the North Bridge sparked the now famous skirmish with British regulars.
The map that was produced from this work shows the route starting from the center of Westford, traveling down Boston, Carlisle and Old Roads before bearing right onto West Street in Carlisle. From there it follows Lowell Road in Concord and turns left onto Barnes Hill Road before reaching the bridge. While not an actual “trail,” much of the route remains quite scenic. Those who participate in the trail walk will receive one of the maps, also available from the Westford Museum for a small fee.
Those interested in participating in this year’s walk should contact Dan Lacroix at 692-5198 for the latest details. Participants must come prepared with comfortable walking shoes, water, and snacks, and arrange for a return ride from Concord. Further information about this year’s march, including meeting time and location can be found at www.westford1775.org.
