Jason Russell House & Museum — Attraction in Arlington

Imagine sitting in your kitchen, late on the afternoon of April 19, 1776, waiting for the retreat of 1,100 British troops, walking back along Concord Road (now Massachusetts Ave), to pass by your house. Then you realize—outriders protecting the wounded column will be passing on both sides of your house.

That’s exactly what happened at the sparse, four room Jason Russell House. An hour or so later, there were eleven bodies laid out on the floor of this colonial kitchen.

The city of Arlington found the budget for the forensic scientists to come through (with many generously donated services) some time I believe just pre-Covid, so now when you visit you get the tour of the musket ball holes that riddle the building’s wooden paneling—and admire the trajectories that the scientists mapped out. British bullets came in through every window, including the one in the attic.

In the little museum grafted on to the back (circa 1923) collected artifacts of the day include items dropped by the British on their retreat—souvenirs of the day turned in to the city collection over the next two centuries.

It’s an amazing, mind-opening, slice of American history.

(and I appreciated the “porthole” detailing they added to the carpet put in to protect the bullet-riddled risers of the steps)

Lovely visit with a great docent on a summer Saturday afternoon, Menotomy Park (excellent for walking) just up the street, delicious Butternut Bakery just across the way, and a friendly beer garden with music as part of an imaginative collaborative program,...

This is truly one of the most significant locations of the April 19, 1775, and the beginning of the American Revolution. Why this location, the site of the bloodiest fighting between the British and Colonial militia, is so overlooked by history is hard to understand. The greatest loss of both British Regulars and Colonial militia occurred right here Menontomy. Unfortunately, I believe there might be too much politics involved between Concord and Lexington, which in the end overshadows the events that occurred in this town and at this location. Still, anyone interested in American history must make it a point to visit this site as well as the “Foot of the Rocks,” which is also located in Arlington, at the intersection of Massachusetts Avenue and Lowell Street. The story of Jason Russell and the men that died inside his home is shocking but necessary to fully understand the amazing bravery soon that day for the men and women for fought for their, and now...

Love History. Know of this battle or squirmish of the Revolutionary War. As a former volunteer of the Concord Museum and the Waltham Museum, I knew all the battles were not fought only in the cities of Lexington and Concord. I have not gone here to this site, Jason Russell House, but as soon as I can, I definitely will. (Have to wait until this trying time will be over.) I am excited to see the house/museum and looking forward to meeting all staff there. Until then, always...Kyra...