2020 Meriams Corner Exercise
Meriams Corner Exercise is commemorated on Saturday, April 11, 2020 at 1:00 pm at Meriams Corner, Lexington Road in Concord, Massachusetts. The Town of Concord, joined by area minute companies and Minute Man National Historical Park, commemorate the fight at Meriams Corner that sparked the six-hour running battle back to Boston at this annual Meriams Corner Exercise. Meriams Corner Exercise is held on the grounds of the Meriam House, with a short parade starting at 1:00 pm from Ripley School and concluding with ceremonies at Meriam’s Corner.
Meriams Corner Exercise
This annual commemoration marks the assembly and actions of militia and minuteman units that arrived at Meriams Corner during the British retreat from Concord, Aril 19, 1775. After the Regulars’ withdrawal from the North Bridge where they had engaged with more than 400 Minutemen, they began a retreat back to Boston. By the time the Regulars arrived at this spot at half past noon, there were reported to be about 1,100 Minutemen in the area from more than a dozen towns. A challenge by the Regulars started a classic guerilla action, which continued for many hours as the outnumbered British retreated towards Boston. At least two British privates were killed and several others wounded here during that initial exchange. By the time the day was over, 49 Colonials and 73 British troops were killed, plus 173 wounded and missing.
The actions commerated here at the Meriams Corner Exercise began a war that would not end until Yorktown, more than 6 long years later. Minute companies, fife and drum, and the Concord Independent Battery commemorate the fight at Meriam’s Corner. In addition to a parade, there will be musket and cannon firing and fife and drum music.
Participating Units
Groups such as the Middlesex County Volunteers Fifes and Drums take part in the parade and other Meriams Corner Exercise activities.
About Patriots’ Day Activities
Each year thousands of people flock to historic Lexington and Concord and Minute Man National Historical Park to celebrate Patriots’ Day. Patriots’ Day is a special Massachusetts State holiday commemorating the opening battle of the American Revolutionary War, April 19, 1775. These activities begin days earlier with events such as Meriams Corner Exercise. The holiday (Officially observed on Monday, (this year on [su_patriots_day], and the entire weekend, is celebrated with parades, reenactments and commemorative ceremonies.
Location
Meriam’s Corner
Lexington Road
Concord, MA 01742
For more information about Meriams Corner Exercise: Minute Man National Historical Park, call 978-318-7825
Mark your calendar today so you don’t miss the start of Patriots’ Day events and the next Meriams Corner Exercise at Meriam’s Corner in Concord, Massachusetts two Saturdays prior to Patriot’s Day.
Tags: Meriams Corner Exercise, Merriams Corner Parade, Merriams Corner Battle Exercise, Merriams Corner