Stow and Acton Minutemen and adventurous members of the public will commemorate the 251st anniversary of the opening of the Revolutionary War by re-enacting the marches to the North Bridge. Especially adventurous residents can do the hike two days in a row!
Acton, Sunday, April 19
The Acton Minutemen will march the Isaac Davis Trail to commemorate Acton’s contribution to the events of April 19, 1775 and “the shot heard ’round the world.” The Minutemen will step off from Haartz Fabric at 5:30 AM on Sunday, March 19, 2026 and march to the North Bridge in Concord following the path of the original Acton Minutemen, discovered by Acton’s Boy Scouts of America troop in the 1960’s. Stops will include brief ceremonies at the Davis Homestead on Hayward Rd and at the Davis monument in the center of town and the town line at Concord.
Public participation is encouraged and anyone wishing to walk from the starting point should park at the Acton-Boxborough high school parking lot.
For questions about this year’s march, or to learn more about Captain Isaac Davis, the March and the Acton Minutemen, please visit www.Actonminutemen.org.
At their website, the Minutemen write, “Today’s Acton Minutemen are made up of men, women, and children, ages 5 through 85. We strive to bring history to life by portraying those brave Patriots of the American Revolution from Acton who risked, and even gave, their lives on April 19th, 1775 in the cause for freedom.” They quote Isaac Davis before the fateful march: “I haven’t a man who is afraid to go.”
The organization stresses that members come from all over–not just Acton. “The modern company of the Acton Minutemen is a non-profit organization that was chartered in 1963. Our officers and members come from a variety of different backgrounds and areas. We have members on the North Shore, the South Shore, western Massachusetts, southern New Hampshire, and even other parts of the country. We are made up of schoolteachers, students, carpenters, business people, parents, grandparents, coaches, retirees, and people from many other walks of life.”
Stow, Monday, April 20 – 61st anniversary Trail March to Concord
On Monday, April 20, 2026, at 4:30 a.m., before dawn breaks and while most are still asleep, the Stow Minutemen Company will step off from the Stow Lower Village Shopping Center.
Each year, Company members and fellow reenactors retrace the 9.5-mile route marched by Stow’s militia in April 1775, after word spread that British Regulars were advancing to seize colonial military stores. The march begins with a predawn muster at 4:15 a.m. at the Stow Lower Village Shopping Center, stepping off promptly at 4:30 a.m. to the cadence to fife and drum. Along the route, musket volleys will sound the alarm, echoing the urgency of that historic morning. The march concludes at the Minuteman National Historical Park, North Bridge Visitor Center. The event is held rain or shine (unless the Concord Parade is canceled).
The Stow Minutemen write in their invitation, “The public is warmly invited to take part in this unique living history experience honoring our shared past. Non-Company participants are welcome to follow behind the column and march at their own pace. Participants should note that the Stow Minutemen Company does not supervise non-members; all participation is at one’s own risk. Children must be accompanied by an adult. Marchers are encouraged to bring water and snacks. The route includes three short rest stops and an extended breakfast break at Rideout Playground in Concord. Limited return transportation may be available upon request; otherwise, participants should plan accordingly.
“The Stow Minutemen Company welcomes new members of all ages and interests. From musket-bearing militia and musicians to artisans and camp followers, we have a place for everyone. A limited number of period clothing items are available to borrow for those interested in reenacting. The Company also offers free fife and drum instructions for adults and children. Those interested in joining the militia line will be trained in the period manual of arms and must hold a valid Massachusetts FID or LTC.”
For more information on the Stow Trail March, email info@stowminutemen.org or call them at 978-206-1775. The schedule is in these Trail March materials. You may also find more information about the Stow Minutemen Company at www.stowminutemen.org.
And more for “Revolutionary April”
Big news for local historians: Multiple organizations have joined together in a new Acton Historical Alliance. The Acton Exchange hopes to publish an article soon describing the new alliance in detail. Meanwhile, readers can see announcements of April events in the Acton Exchange calendar or by going to individual history websites. Offerings include Amy Cole’s Acton 250 history walks, a celebration on April 17 at Dirigible Brewing (prior to publication of this edition), April 18 Patriots Day Spirit events by Iron Work Farm, and Acton Historical Society Hosmer House open house Sunday, April 19 2-4 p.m. The Acton Historical Society’s home page has a brochure about all of these events.
