Greater Merrimack Valley

Two revolutions are imprinted in the Merrimack Valley. The first, the American Revolution that brought independence; the second, the American Industrial Revolution, particularly the textile industry that dramatically changed the American landscape from rural to urban. History is ingrained in this region; one not only sees it but one feels it when visiting the Minutemen's locales and the industrial sites and the numerous museums of both heritages. Things to See and Do Historic Sites Minute Man National Historic Park in Concord; Minute Man Visitor Center and Minute Man Statue; North Bridge where the "shot heard 'round the world" was fired on April 19, 1775. The Old Manse in Concord where Nathaniel Hawthorne and Ralph Waldo Emerson lived. Orchard House in Concord where Louisa May Alcott wrote Little Women. The Wayside in Concord, 19th century home of the Alcotts, Hawthorne and Margaret Singer. Locations Walden Pond in Concord where in the woods a mile from the nearest neighbor and near the shore of the pond lived Henry David Thoreau alone for two years, two months, and two days pondering on and penning his thoughts. Museums American Textile Heritage Museum in Lowell chronicling the story of textile production in America. Concord Museum in Concord exhibiting Paul Revere's signal lantern, Thoreau's belongings from Walden Pond, Emerson's study, and Concord-made clocks, silver and furniture. National Heritage Museum in Lexington presenting changing exhibits, films, shows and concerts. New England Quilt Museum in Lowell exhibiting contemporary and traditional quilts from around the world.

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