Lexington, not far from Boston, bears witness to the war for U.S. independence. On 19 April 1775, it was the site of the first skirmish of the Revolutionary War when British troops were dispatched to seize a supply of arms in Concord and were challenged by Minutemen as they reached Lexington. Guided tours at Buckman Tavern recount the actions of the Minutemen (they used the tavern as their headquarters), but the actual battle took place on the town green, where you can view Daniel Chester French's Minuteman statue of Capt. John Parker. Every April, the battle is re-enacted. If you want a good viewing point, arrive early and don't blink, or you'll miss it: The re-enactment, true to history, is over in a few minutes. If time allows, visit the National Heritage Museum. 10 mi/16 km northwest of Boston.
