WASHINGTON, DC - September 22, 2008 - Today, the House of Representatives acted to preserve a piece of American history when it approved bipartisan legislation introduced by Congresswoman Niki Tsongas which permanently protects Colonel James Barrett's farm in Concord, Massachusetts.  Tsongas' bill would bring Barrett's farm within the boundaries of Minute Man National Park, thereby preserving this historic site which played a prominent role in the first battle of the Revolutionary War.  The bill was cosponsored by the entire Massachusetts Congressional delegation.

 

"I am pleased that the House of Representatives has passed this legislation which will permanently protect Colonel James Barrett's Farm, so that current and future generations can learn about the important role this site played in the birth of our nation," said Congresswoman Tsongas.  "Every year, thousands visit Minute Man National Park to see first hand where the American Revolution began, and the addition of Barrett's Farm to the Park will contribute greatly to visitors understanding and appreciation of this historic event."

 

The bill approved by the House today would add Barrett's Farm to Minute Man National Historical Park, by authorizing an adjustment of 67 acres to the current park boundaries.  The legislation does not involve any federal taking of private land, but instead allows the National Park Service to purchase the farm, which is now owned by the non-profit organization Save Our National Heritage.  Both Save Our Heritage and the National Park Service support the boundary adjustment.

 

"Although our history as a nation is brief, it is truly extraordinary," said Anna West Winter, Executive Director of Save Our Heritage. "Today, thanks to the leadership and foresight of Congresswoman Tsongas, Congress has underscored the desire and commitment of the American people to honor and preserve the memory of those patriots that envisioned and fought for our freedom and independence. The inclusion of Barrett's Farm within Minute Man National Historical Park now ensures that the story of these brave individuals will be told for generations to come."

 

"The passage of this bill in the House of Representatives marks an important milestone in the effort to permanently protect the Colonel James Barrett Farm which was the destination of British troops on April 18, 1775," said Nancy Nelson Superintendant of Minute Man National Park.  "It is remarkable that this house and farm have survived through the generations.  The potential for telling this part of the story of the opening battle of the American Revolution is truly exciting."

 

"The addition of Barrett's farm to Minute Man National Historical Park will enable the considerable resources and expertise of the National Park Service to be put towards the restoration and preservation of this historic site," Tsongas continued. 

 

Nearly identical legislation was introduced last year by former Fifth District Representative Marty Meehan, and a companion measure has been introduced in the Senate by Massachusetts Senators Edward Kennedy and John Kerry.  The Senate bill has been approved by the Senate Committee on Energy and Natural Resources and awaits floor action in the Senate before the bill can become law.

 

Barrett’s Farm is the former home of Colonel James Barrett, the commander of the Middlesex militia during the Revolutionary war, and was used to store the militia's munitions in the weeks preceding the Battle of Concord and Lexington.  On April 19, 1775, General Thomas Gage - the commander of all British Forces in North America - ordered 700 of his troops to march to Barrett's Farm and destroy the supplies of the colonialists in Concord.

 

The colonial militia learned of the British plot in advance and Paul Revere made his famous ride, calling his fellow countrymen to arms.  By the time the British reached Barrett’s Farm, the colonial militia’s guns were safely hidden, and Colonel Barrett had moved into position with his militia, ready to strike at the British Army.  Barrett’s militia confronted British soldiers at the North Bridge, where the “shot heard ‘round the world” was fired – launching America's war for independence. 

 

"Barrett's farm was the impetus for the British advance, and the important work of Colonel Barrett and his militia was a key reason for the British retreat," Tsongas explained.  "The battle of Concord and Lexington was one of the most important events in our nation's history, and I look forward to working with Senators Kerry and Kennedy to ensure that this legislation is enacted into law."

 

"I am grateful to Natural Resources Chairman Rahall and Ranking Member Young, as well National Parks, Forests, and Public Lands subcommittee Chairman Grijalva and Ranking Member Bishop for their support of this legislation.  I also want to thank all of my colleagues from the Massachusetts Congressional delegation for their support of this measure which permanently preserves an important piece of the Commonwealth's rich revolutionary history," Tsongas concluded.

 

 

###