Photo: Chaiel Schaffel/WBZ NewsRadio
CONCORD, Mass. (WBZ NewsRadio) — Concord's historic Wright Tavern is getting a new look just in time to celebrate the 250th anniversary of the Revolutionary War.
The building won a $500,000 grant to help fund repairs to turn the building back into the tavern and meeting place it once was. They'll first start by fixing the outside of the building before moving inwards. Tom Wilson, the chair of the Wright Tavern Legacy Trust, said he's excited about the future of the landmark.
"This building needed to be brought back to the community and opened to the public," Wilson said.
Wright Tavern played a big role in the early days of the Revolutionary War. It was where leaders discussed plans for the first Massachusetts Provincial Congress in 1774, where they eventually agreed to make Massachusetts the first colony to split from England and create a new democratic government.
"The foundation elements of democracy started here and it was decided here and discussed here," Wilson said.
Read More: The Official Countdown To The 250th Anniversary Of The Revolution Has Begun
On April 19, 1775, American militia and minutemen met at the tavern to plan for an eventual battle with British redcoats at North Bridge. Over 700 redcoats later set up headquarters there that day before the battle of Concord, shortly after marching from Lexington.
Rep. Lori Trahan got a tour of the tavern Monday and spoke highly of Concord's history.
"Concord does this better than any place I've been," Rep. Trahan said. "They bring people in from all over Massachusetts and all over the country."
WBZ's Chaiel Schaffel (@CSchaffelWBZ) reports.
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