"As we prepare to celebrate Patriots Day and remember the beginning of the Revolutionary War, I am pleased to introduce legislation today that 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 introduced by Tsongas today seeks to 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 National Heritage and the National Park Service support the boundary adjustment.

"Congresswoman Tsongas’s bill is legislation that every American can rally around one hundred and ten percent, said Anna West Winter, Executive Director of Save Our Heritage. "Barrett’s Farm completes the story of Paul Revere’s Ride and begins the story of the American Revolution. It embodies both the history and the spirit of the Patriots’ unyielding devotion to, and quest for, liberty, freedom, and self-determination."

"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.

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.  The battle of Concord and Lexington is an important event, and I look forward to working with Senators Kerry and Kennedy to ensure that this legislation is enacted into law, so that this important piece of the Fifth District's rich revolutionary history can be permanently preserved," Tsongas concluded.