- City: Lexington
- State: Massachusetts
- Country: United States
- Source: Bodin Collection
- Approx. Date: August 28, 1909
- Photographer: Unknown
Located in Lexington, Massachusetts just outside the Old Jonathan House is the "Line of the Minute Men" monument. The monument commemorates the beginning of the Battle of Lexington in 1775 and is inscribed with a quote supposedly said by captain John Parker himself, which reads: “Stand your ground. Don’t fire unless fired upon. But if they mean to have a war, let it begin here." Surrounding the monument are lush, green trees that provide shade to those who visit the monument; as well as the old Jonathan Harrington House. The house's origins date back to as early as 1690 and belonged to the titular Jonathan Harrington, who was allegedly "wounded on the Common April 19, 1775, dragged himself to [his] door, and died at his wife’s feet" according to the plaque in front of his home.
The quote written on the Minutemen monument is widely believed to have been said by Captain John Parker on April 19th, 1775. Captain Parker was a leader in the military who made this speech to his men on the Lexington Green while they were anticipating the arrival of the British Army. He also took part in several wars such as the French and Indian War, Siege of Louisburg, and the Campaign in Quebec. Unfortunately, following his speech, Captain Parker met his early demise the following September due to tuberculosis.
From the collection of Fred Bodin of Gloucester MA. Fred was a long time resident and well-known photographer of Gloucester and had one of the best private collections of New England nautical photographs in private hands. Fred was a photojournalist having graduated with this degree from Syracuse University and worked for Yankee Magazine. Fred passed away in 2016 and HIP purchased his collection from his estate.