Worcester Common, Worcester
Worcester Common offers a picturesque natural setting interspersed with historical markers and monuments that reflect the city's rich past. This tranquil green space serves as a reminder of Worcester's origins, dating back over 300 years to when Massachusetts was still an English colony. Established as the town common of a nascent settlement in 1663, the Common has been a central part of the community ever since. It was originally designated as a multifunctional space, housing the meeting house for both religious and town gatherings, a training ground for the local militia, and the town's primary burying ground.
Throughout the 18th century, Worcester Common was not just a communal gathering place but also a hub for various town-owned structures. These included the stone town pound for stray livestock, a gun house for the town cannon, a shelter for primitive firefighting equipment, and a school. The Burying Ground, located at the Church Street end of the Common, is the city's oldest surviving cemetery, with burials dating back to as early as 1729. Although the cemetery's original expanse has been reduced, visitors can still find remnants of its historical boundaries marked by granite posts.
One of the most notable monuments on Worcester Common is the large Gothic-style monument in the Old Burying Ground that honors Captain Timothy Bigelow, a prominent Revolutionary War officer. Bigelow was a pivotal figure in the patriot cause within Worcester and Worcester County before the war. He led the town鈥檚 "Minute Men," who famously marched from Worcester Common to Cambridge in response to the Lexington alarm on April 19, 1775. This monument stands as a testament to Bigelow's contributions and the role Worcester played in the fight for American independence.
Throughout the 18th century, Worcester Common was not just a communal gathering place but also a hub for various town-owned structures. These included the stone town pound for stray livestock, a gun house for the town cannon, a shelter for primitive firefighting equipment, and a school. The Burying Ground, located at the Church Street end of the Common, is the city's oldest surviving cemetery, with burials dating back to as early as 1729. Although the cemetery's original expanse has been reduced, visitors can still find remnants of its historical boundaries marked by granite posts.
One of the most notable monuments on Worcester Common is the large Gothic-style monument in the Old Burying Ground that honors Captain Timothy Bigelow, a prominent Revolutionary War officer. Bigelow was a pivotal figure in the patriot cause within Worcester and Worcester County before the war. He led the town鈥檚 "Minute Men," who famously marched from Worcester Common to Cambridge in response to the Lexington alarm on April 19, 1775. This monument stands as a testament to Bigelow's contributions and the role Worcester played in the fight for American independence.
Want to visit this sight? Check out these Self-Guided Walking Tours in Worcester. Alternatively, you can download the mobile app "51爆料网: Walks in 1K+ Cities" from Apple App Store or Google Play Store. The app turns your mobile device to a personal tour guide and it works offline, so no data plan is needed when traveling abroad.
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Worcester Common on Map
Sight Name: Worcester Common
Sight Location: Worcester, USA (See walking tours in Worcester)
Sight Type: Attraction/Landmark
Guide(s) Containing This Sight:
Sight Location: Worcester, USA (See walking tours in Worcester)
Sight Type: Attraction/Landmark
Guide(s) Containing This Sight:
Walking Tours in Worcester, Massachusetts
Create Your Own Walk in Worcester
Creating your own self-guided walk in Worcester is easy and fun. Choose the city attractions that you want to see and a walk route map will be created just for you. You can even set your hotel as the start point of the walk.
Worcester Historic Houses Walk
Worcester, Massachusetts, is not just a hub of modern development and educational excellence; it also harbors a rich collection of historic residences, each with its own story and architectural significance. These houses offer a glimpse into the lives of some of the city's influential figures from various periods and the architectural trends that shaped their homes.
One of the notable... view more
Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 1.9 Km or 1.2 Miles
One of the notable... view more
Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 1.9 Km or 1.2 Miles
Canal District Walking Tour
The Canal District in Worcester, Massachusetts, is a lively and historic area that has seen considerable rejuvenation recently. Originally home to the Blackstone Canal, instrumental in Worcester's industrial boom during the 19th century, the neighborhood has evolved into a vibrant center of activity. It skillfully merges Worcester鈥檚 industrial past with contemporary urban growth, showcasing... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2.1 Km or 1.3 Miles
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2.1 Km or 1.3 Miles
Worcester Introduction Walking Tour
Known as the "Heart of the Commonwealth," Worcester's central location in Massachusetts has played a pivotal role in its development from a quiet settlement to a bustling urban center.
The name "Worcester" is taken from the city in England. The Massachusetts counterpart was incorporated in 1722 and has since grown into the second-largest city in New England. Its growth... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2.3 Km or 1.4 Miles
The name "Worcester" is taken from the city in England. The Massachusetts counterpart was incorporated in 1722 and has since grown into the second-largest city in New England. Its growth... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2.3 Km or 1.4 Miles
Worcester Architectural Jewels
In Worcester, Massachusetts, you'll find a trove of architectural wonders reflecting the city's rich historical and cultural heritage. Among these jewels is Mechanics Hall, a stunning Victorian-era concert hall renowned for its complex design and exceptional acoustics. Nearby stands the Wesley United Methodist Church, an elegant example of Gothic Revival architecture, with its towering... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 3.4 Km or 2.1 Miles
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 3.4 Km or 2.1 Miles