Concord, MA

Concord, Massachusetts

Introduction to Concord, Massachusetts

Concord, Massachusetts, in Middlesex county, is 8 miles NW of Waltham, Massachusetts (center to center) and 16 miles NW of Boston, Massachusetts. Concord is well known for its major roles in American history and literature and features a large number of historic sites. Welch's, the well known grape juice producer has a small headquarters in the city.

Concord History

The area was initially named Musketaquid. The region's Indians grew corn and fished in the rivers. The population was decimated by a smallpox plague after the Europeans arrived. In 1635 a group of British settlers acquired land from a local Indian tribe and named the new town Concord. The Battle of Lexington and Concord was the first battle during the American Revolutionary War.

The renowned literary history of Concord is based in the mid-19th century with Ralph Waldo Emerson having a major role. Emerson and other Transcendentalists including Nathaniel Hawthorne, the philosopher Bronson Alcott and Henry David Thoreau lived in Concord and were associates. Thoreau lived near the well known Waldon Pond. Resident Ephraim Bull developed the popular Concord grape.

Concord Attractions

• The Concord Museum focuses on the area's history and includes artifacts of Ralph Waldo Emerson and Henry David Thoreau and artifacts from the American Revolution.
• The North Bridge is an historic location of the Battles of Lexington and Concord.
• Ralph Waldo Emerson House is a museum and is designated as a National Historic Landmark. It includes some original furniture and a collection of Emerson's memorabilia.
• The Wayside has kept most of its original appearance. At times, it was home to the notable scientist John Winthrop, the writer Louisa May Alcott, author Nathaniel Hawthorne and Boston publisher Daniel Lothrop and his wife who was a notable author. The home is a National Historic Landmark.
• Orchard House is a museum and features Victorian architecture. It's the former residence of the well known writer Louisa May Alcott. The majority of the furnishings belonged to the Alcott family.
• Minute Man National Historical Park commemorates the initial battle of the American Revolutionary War.
• Wright's Tavern is a National Historic Landmark and is affiliated with the Battle of Lexington and Concord.
• Reuben Brown House is a notable colonial style home.
• De Cordova Museum and Sculpture Park.
• Gropius House.
• Sleepy Hollow Cemetery.
• The Old Manse.
• First Parish Church.
• Thoreau Farm was the birthplace of the well known Henry David Thoreau.
• The Concord Center is an historic location and includes a variety of small shops.

Concord Activities

Walden Pond is regarded as a kettle hole and was created by retreating glaciers. The well known writer and philosopher Henry David Thoreau lived near the pond for two years. His time spent their was recorded in Walden; or, Life in the Woods. The Walden Pond State Reservation is also a popular swimming location. Visitors often hike along the trails that traverse around the pond and also visit Thoreau's cabin.

Nearby Boston offers a variety of activities, entertainment and professional sports teams. The Nahoba Ski slopes are located in the region. The Great Meadow National Wildlife Refuge is a river wetlands area which includes several trails and is popular for bird watching. The regions's White Mountains are available for hiking and viewing the scenic fall foliage.

Concord Transportation

The MTBA offers commuter rail service to Boston.

High Points

Concord strengths, compared to Peers (similar size places nationally) or State (other places in Massachusetts):

Category	Trophy
Well-Paid Single Men (vs. Peers)	Top 2%
College Educated Adults (vs. Peers)	Top 2%
Median Family Income (vs. Peers)	Top 3%
Well-Paid Single Women (vs. Peers)	Top 5%
Low Property Crime (vs. Peers)	Top 5%
People in Middle Class or Better (vs. Peers)	Top 7%
Public Transportation Use (vs. Peers)	Top 15%
Walking and Biking to Work (vs. State)	Top 16%
Low Rate of Poverty (vs. Peers)	Top 19%

Comparative Profile of Concord, MA

Comparing Concord to similar size places nationwide (Peers) and to other places in Massachusetts (State):

Ratings range from (lowest) to (highest).

The People

Characteristic	Compared to Peers	Compared to State
Well-Paid Single Men
Well-Paid Single Women
Age of the Population
Male Share of the Population
Senior Citizens
Racial Diversity
Children Under 5 Years Old
Female Share of the Population

Families

Characteristic	Compared to Peers	Compared to State
Portion of People Married
Average Household Size

Wealth

Characteristic	Compared to Peers	Compared to State
College Educated Adults
Median Family Income
People in Middle Class or Better
People Above Poverty

Commute & Sprawl

Characteristic	Compared to Peers	Compared to State
Working at Home
Public Transportation Use
Walking and Biking to Work
Short Commute Times

Housing

Characteristic	Compared to Peers	Compared to State
Seasonal and Vacation Housing
Housing Recently Built
People Living Alone
Studio & One-Bedroom Rentals
Affordability of Property Taxes
Affordability of Rents

Crime

Characteristic	Compared to Peers	Compared to State
Low Property Crime
Low Violent Crime

Concord Almanac

Concord Climate

Nearest Weather Stations

• Temp ranges are avg daily min and max for the month
• Precipitation is rainfall (and rainfall equiv of snowfall)

Concord Population (2000)

(From 2000 Census, as reported by individuals)

Nearby Cities and Towns

Concord Public Libraries

More Information for Librarians

Starbucks in Concord

Concord High Schools (2004)

CONCORD CARLISLE HIGH
500 WALDEN STREET
978-318-1400
Title I eligible, not participating.
Serves 1,201 students.
Student/teacher ratio: 13.2

Concord Colleges

(List of All Massachusetts Colleges)

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