The Town of Arlington commemorated a pivotal moment in American history with a groundbreaking ceremony for the construction of the Foot of the Rocks Battlefield Memorial on Thursday, April 17, 2025. This event was a part of Arlington's 250th anniversary celebrations, honoring the town's rich American Revolutionary War history. 

Located at the intersection of Massachusetts Avenue and Lowell Street, the Foot of the Rocks site was the scene of one of the bloodiest battles on April 19, 1775. As British troops retreated from the battles of Lexington and Concord, they were met at the Foot of the Rocks by thousands of colonial militia men from over thirty towns, resulting in intense combat that led to significant casualties. 

The upcoming memorial will create a pocket park in Arlington Heights that aims to honor both the Colonial Minutemen and British soldiers who fought and fell at this historic site and to tell the untold stories of those that lived in Menotomy at the time of the start of the war. Funded by the Community Preservation Act and the Mass Office of Travel and Tourism (MOTT), the project seeks to enhance public awareness and appreciation of Arlington's role in the American Revolution.  

The groundbreaking ceremony featured remarks from local and state officials, historians, and community leaders. It served as a prelude to the Battle of Menotomy reenactment that was conducted on Sunday, April 20, 2025, further immersing residents and visitors in the town’s important role in the start of the American Revolution. 

Additional information on the project may be found at arlingtonma.gov/projects 

Community volunteers, Town and State Officials, Local Representatives at the
Foot of the Rocks ground breaking. Arlington, MA April 17, 2025

Historic marker of The Foot of the Rocks. Arlington, MA April 17, 2025