National Park Guide: Massachusetts' Minute Man

— -- Minute Man National Historical Park brings the revolutionary battlefield to life at Concord's North Bridge, where a battle on April 19, 1775, marked the beginning of America's war for independence.

Welcoming more than 1 million visitors from around the world each year, the park hosts several battle re-enactments annually. The largest demonstration is given on the Saturday closest to Patriot's Day, the third Monday in April.

Bill Rose is one of 100 to 120 volunteers who pick a side and help re-enact the North Bridge battle each year. Dressed as an American Colonial, Rose talks with park visitors and has served as the commander of the American Army on more than one occasion.

"Everything I wear is handmade," Rose says. "It's great to have a 7-year-old look up at you and say, 'Hey, you're one of those Minute Men!' "

Rose says he also has been known to fight for the other side, portraying a British officer. For him, it's all about educating families and having the opportunity to give something back to the country he loves, he says.

"The park gives us freedom and encouragement to get our portrayal to a greater degree of accuracy and completeness. It's pretty impressive," Rose says.

Located just 22 miles outside Boston, Minute Man national park offers plenty of entertainment, even when muskets are not drawn. At the visitor center, guests can begin a tour by watching The Road to Revolution, a theater program that tells the park's story beginning with Paul Revere's famous ride to Lexington.

Other park attractions include Hartwell Tavern, a modern-day reminder of what living looked like during the Revolutionary War period, and Battle Road Trail, which follows the route of the Minute Men in a 5-mile trek connecting the park's historic sites.

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About the park

Size: 1,038 acres spread across four park areas

Visitors: 1,002,833 in 2011

Established: 1959

History: Remembered as the "shot heard round the world," the shots fired here on April 19, 1775, are considered the true beginning to fighting that grew to become the Colonials' war for independence.

When visiting: The grounds of Minute Man National Park include several distinct areas, including North Bridge and Battle Road Trail. The park is open sunrise to sunset. The North Bridge Visitor Center is at 174 Liberty St. in Concord. Visitor info: 978-369-6993.

Of note: Most Americans have heard of Paul Revere's midnight ride, but there were as many as 50 Colonial riders who helped alert militias in the area.