Visit Hartwell Tavern, Lincoln, Massachusetts

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Hartwell Tavern was a well-known stop for travelers on the Bay Road in Lincoln. On April 19, 1775 the British column passed by here on their way to Concord and again during their fighting retreat to Boston in the afternoon. Three of the Hartwell sons, including John and Isaac who lived here, fought as minute men. When Ephraim and Elizabeth Hartwell married, Ephraim's father Samuel gave the couple a new house (built 1732-1733) surrounded by 18 acres of land and 12 additional acres (30 acres total) to start their family. Although later referred to as Hartwell Tavern, the house originally acted as a family residence and farmhouse until Ephraim applied for an innkeeper license in 1756. For over thirty years the Hartwell's ran an "ordinary" tavern out of their home until 1787.During the late 18th century, the Hartwell's became one of the wealthiest families in the town of Lincoln. In total Ephraim and Elizabeth had 14 children, nine of which survived to adulthood.The Hartwell family also enslaved one woman named Violet, however little information is yet known about Violet's story. It is presumed Violet experienced the events of April 19, 1775 however little information currently documents her narrative.The house continued to be a residence until it was purchased by the National Park Service in 1967. Ranger Programs are offered at Hartwell Tavern May - October.

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