Concord Massachusetts is a charming town with long ties to  the revolutionary era, being the location of one of the earliest skirmishes between the British and colonial troops in 1775. There is a wonderful archival repository at the Concord Free Public Library. Take a look back in time as I share my journey in that archives to discover two tales of individuals who were involved in events in the early years of the Republic when conflicts wrote the story of our country. One tale is that of Captain David Brown who fought against the British at the Old North Bridge. The other involves a Civil War soldier from nearby Roxbury whose life during that conflict led to a few surprises and an awareness of how difficult it can be to research and recreate the experiences of one individual in momentous events. 

For More Information:

The History of Concord MA by Alfred Sereno Hudson

The Minute Men and Their World by Robert A Gross and Alan M. Taylor

Captain Brown’s House

https://www.nps.gov/places/the-captain-david-brown-house-site.htm

Desertion in the Civil War by Dr. Ella Lonn

John Ransom's Civil War Diary by John L. Ransom