Worcester Common, Worcester

Worcester Common offers a picturesque natural setting interspersed with historical markers and monuments that reflect the city's rich past. This tranquil green space serves as a reminder of Worcester's origins, dating back over 300 years to when Massachusetts was still an English colony. Established as the town common of a nascent settlement in 1663, the Common has been a central part of the community ever since. It was originally designated as a multifunctional space, housing the meeting house for both religious and town gatherings, a training ground for the local militia, and the town's primary burying ground.

Throughout the 18th century, Worcester Common was not just a communal gathering place but also a hub for various town-owned structures. These included the stone town pound for stray livestock, a gun house for the town cannon, a shelter for primitive firefighting equipment, and a school. The Burying Ground, located at the Church Street end of the Common, is the city's oldest surviving cemetery, with burials dating back to as early as 1729. Although the cemetery's original expanse has been reduced, visitors can still find remnants of its historical boundaries marked by granite posts.

One of the most notable monuments on Worcester Common is the large Gothic-style monument in the Old Burying Ground that honors Captain Timothy Bigelow, a prominent Revolutionary War officer. Bigelow was a pivotal figure in the patriot cause within Worcester and Worcester County before the war. He led the town’s "Minute Men," who famously marched from Worcester Common to Cambridge in response to the Lexington alarm on April 19, 1775. This monument stands as a testament to Bigelow's contributions and the role Worcester played in the fight for American independence.