Munroe Tavern | Lexington MA

Munroe Tavern, located at 1332 Massachusetts Avenue in Lexington, Massachusetts, is a well-preserved colonial-era tavern that played a pivotal role during the American Revolutionary War. Built in 1735 and later expanded, it is today operated as a museum by the Lexington Historical Society. While Buckman Tavern is associated with the American militia, Munroe Tavern offers a rare look at the Revolutionary War from the British perspective. This duality enriches the narrative of April 19, 1775-the day the first battles of the Revolution were fought.

Historical Overview

Munroe Tavern was originally constructed by David Comee and purchased in 1770 by William Munroe, a prominent local citizen and member of the Lexington militia. It served as both the Munroe family home and a licensed public house. At the time of the battle, William Munroe was the orderly sergeant in Captain John Parker’s militia and would later fight in the Continental Army.

Though initially a quiet colonial establishment, the tavern was thrust into the Revolutionary spotlight when British troops retreated through Lexington after their bloody engagements in Concord and along Battle Road.

April 19, 1775: British Headquarters and Hospital

On the afternoon of April 19, following fierce resistance from American militia during their retreat from Concord, British forces under Brigadier General Hugh Percy used Munroe Tavern as their temporary headquarters. The soldiers remained for roughly one to two hours.

Key Events That Day:

The tavern was commandeered and quickly transformed into a field hospital for wounded British soldiers.

The dining room became a makeshift surgical room where several soldiers were treated, sometimes under brutal, primitive conditions.

John Raymond, an elderly caretaker who was tending the house at the time, was shot and killed by British troops during their occupation. His death is a stark reminder of the personal costs of war, even for civilians.

The tavern sustained physical damage: a bullet hole remains in the ceiling, preserved as a haunting artifact from that day.

The British occupation of Munroe Tavern illustrates that the violence and trauma of April 19 were not isolated to the green of Lexington but rippled through private homes and lives.

Visit by George Washington (1789)

One of the most notable post-Revolutionary moments in Munroe Tavern’s history occurred in November 1789, when President George Washington visited Lexington during his grand tour of New England. He dined at Munroe Tavern, and a room upstairs-now called the “Washington Room”-features a preserved table and chair believed to have been used during his meal. Washington’s visit symbolized national unity and respect for Lexington’s role in securing American liberty.

Architectural and Interior Features

Munroe Tavern is a fine example of Georgian colonial architecture, with its symmetrical façade, central chimney, clapboard siding, and modest yet stately proportions. The interior, restored to reflect its 18th-century appearance, includes:

Taproom and Public Space: Where travelers once drank, ate, and exchanged news. The room is furnished with colonial-era chairs, a bar, and hearth.

The Percy Room: Named for General Percy, it is interpreted from a British soldier’s perspective, providing visitors insight into what life was like for the Redcoats stationed in the colonies.

Bullet Hole Exhibit: The plaster ceiling bears a bullet hole from the occupation-an emotional and physical reminder of the violence of the day.

Washington Room: Preserved in the style of the late 18th century, it houses furniture associated with President Washington’s visit and emphasizes the tavern’s post-war symbolic importance.

Museum Experience and Grounds

Today, Munroe Tavern is a museum with a well-curated and narrative-rich experience for visitors. Its interpretation offers a counterpoint to the patriotic fervor often associated with Revolutionary sites by reminding guests that British soldiers, too, were wounded and scared, and that ordinary homes were deeply affected.

Museum Highlights:

Interpretive Exhibits: The museum uses personal stories, authentic objects, and detailed signage to tell the tavern’s history through multiple lenses-military, domestic, and civic.

Restoration and Preservation: Major restorations in 1939 and again in 2010–2011 preserved original features like woodwork, ceiling beams, and plaster while improving structural integrity and accessibility.

Audio Tours: Available in multiple languages for self-guided visits.

Accessibility: Wheelchair-accessible entry, elevator to the second floor, climate control, and modern restrooms make it accessible to all.

Gardens and Exterior

The property’s historical gardens are maintained by the Lexington Field and Garden Club and include:

Colonial Flower Garden: Featuring plants and arrangements common in the 18th century.

Wildflower Native Plant Garden: A nod to the region’s natural flora, reflecting how people of the time interacted with their landscape.

Heritage Rose Garden: With antique rose varieties that would have been grown in colonial New England.

These gardens add a peaceful, contemplative element to the site and offer a contrast to the interior’s stories of war.

Visiting Information

Open Season: From late April through early November, with expanded hours during summer months. Typically open from 12:00 PM to 4:00 PM (closed Tuesdays).

Admission Fees:

Full access (Depot + 3 historic houses): $30 for adults

Single house + Depot: $15

Free for children under 18

Discounts for veterans, seniors, educators, AAA members

Tour Options: Visitors can choose single-entry or bundled tickets to include Munroe Tavern along with Buckman Tavern and Hancock-Clarke House.

Legacy and Interpretation

Munroe Tavern stands as a powerful counterpoint in the Revolutionary narrative. While many historic sites in Lexington celebrate the patriot cause, Munroe Tavern illuminates the human cost of war, the chaos of retreat, and the role of private homes in public conflict. It presents a more nuanced, balanced perspective-one that includes the British experience, local civilians, and post-war reconciliation.

Its enduring legacy is not only in the architecture and artifacts but in its ability to provoke reflection on the complexities of war and the formation of American identity.

Summary

Munroe Tavern is an essential Revolutionary War landmark in Lexington, Massachusetts. As both British headquarters during the retreat from Concord and a later host to President George Washington, it embodies the multifaceted narrative of America’s struggle for independence. Its authentic interior, bullet-scarred ceiling, and thoughtfully preserved grounds offer visitors a vivid, emotional, and educational experience that complements the better-known patriot stories of nearby sites. Through its preservation and interpretation, Munroe Tavern invites all who visit to witness history from the inside out.