2006-06-00 Lexington Heritage Landscape Report

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PRIORITY HERITAGE LANDSCAPES Lexington's Heritage Landscape Identification meeting, attended by residents, some representing town boards and local non-profit organizations, was held on April 11, 2006. During the meeting participants compiled a lengthy list of the town's heritage landscapes,which is included in the Appendix. Once the comprehensive list was created, attendees were asked to articulate the value of each landscape and the issues relating to its preservation. Based on the information gathered, community members identified a group of priority landscapes to be visited by the consulting team during the fieldwork. Each of the priority landscapes is highly valued, contributes to community character and is not permanently protected or preserved. These landscapes, which are listed alphabetically,represent a range of scales and types of resources. The descriptions and recommendations included here are an initial step in identifying resources valued by the community and suggesting action strategies. A field visit by the consultants and several Lexington residents was made to the key sites in May. Approximately 18 residents participated directly in the two events, and many other residents were involved in the preparation of the application, in the identification of the preliminary landscape list, and in the subsequent evaluation. Battle Road Corridor The events of April 19, 1775 are an important historic theme for the nation. Over one million visitors per year come to see firsthand the areas where the American Revolution began. Adjacent communities within the Freedom's Way Heritage Area-Arlington, Lexington, Lincoln and Concord-have banded together to work towards having the Battle Road designated a Scenic Byway. The National Park Service has also been an important partner in this effort. This designation would highlight the significance of the remarkable group of historic resources associated with this seminal event in American history as well as the early years of the community. Organizers of the Scenic Byway proposal, who represent a variety of town officials and private organizations,hope to use the Heritage Landscape Inventory program as a catalyst for identification of important historic resources along the Battle Road and a forum for public discussion about the benefits of such a designation, as well as a vehicle for inter-community cooperation. The Battle Road in Lexington, originally called Concord Road,is now known as Massachusetts Avenue. Cultural resources along the Battle Road generally fall into three categories. Witness properties have a direct connection to the events of April 19, 1775 as features that were present at the time of the battle. Commemorative features are objects such as plaques and memorials along the Battle Road that document or celebrate some aspect of Revolutionary War history. Other sites of interest are natural or cultural resources along the Battle Road corridor that contribute to an understanding of Lexington's history, natural resources or scenic qualities. Key witness properties are listed below from east to west. A more complete description of historic features along the Battle Road can be found in the Lexington Historical Society's publication Birthplace of Massachusetts Heritage Landscape Inventory Program 3 Lexington Reconnaissance Report