After the battle at North Bridge, the British troops began to retreat toward Boston. A running battle ensued between British troops and colonial militia. One of the places where some of this action occurred was around Hartwell Tavern. This tavern was a private home as well as a pub. Three members of this large family were in the militia and literally fought the British from their front yard. The home has been restored to its original state by the National Park Service, but was a private residence until 1962. It is now within a national park that includes a strip of land running most of the way from North Bridge to Boston.
Shown are two National Park employees who represent the homeowner/tavern keeper and a militiaman. The militia soldier demonstrated a musket to those used during the Revolution. What a difference between that gun and today's rifles! The lethal range was no more than 100 yards and they were really only accurate at 50 yards. Plus, it took care and time to reload.
The tavern had a kitchen garden in its back yard. This garden provided fresh produce, literally at their back door. It was close enough to the house to protect from wildlife--at least most of the time.
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