Concord

Concord is a historic town in Middlesex County, Massachusetts, about 20 miles (32 kilometers) northwest of Boston. The center sits where the Sudbury and Assabet rivers meet to form the Concord River, surrounded by meadows and woodlands.

British troops marched into the town on April 19, 1775, sparking a confrontation at North Bridge that marked the start of the American Revolutionary War. The battle gave the place lasting importance in American history.

Ralph Waldo Emerson, Henry David Thoreau, and Louisa May Alcott made the town a center of literature and philosophy during the 1800s. Their homes still stand today and draw visitors who want to see where these writers lived and worked.

The MBTA Fitchburg Line serves two stations in the town, offering regular commuter rail connections to Boston. The ride takes under an hour and brings visitors directly to the historic center.

Ephraim Wales Bull developed the Concord grape variety in 1849, launching commercial grape cultivation in the United States. This hardy fruit is still used today for juice and jelly and remains one of the most recognized American grapes.

Location: Middlesex County

Inception: 1635

Elevation above the sea: 43 m

Shares border with: Carlisle

Website: https://concordma.gov

GPS coordinates: 42.46028,-71.34944

Latest update: December 12, 2025 21:23