In Massachusetts, there is a quaint little town called Concord. While many would recognize its name from Lexington and Concord, the site of the first battle of the Revolutionary War, it is also rich in literary history. The town is home to many of New England’s most famous authors, such as Louisa May Alcott, Henry David Thoreau, Nathaniel Hawthorne, and Ralph Waldo Emerson. I have wanted to visit Concord for years, and I finally got the chance on my road trip this summer. Here are some of the stops that make Concord a must-see destination for literature lovers.
Probably the most famous feature of Concord is all of the authors’ historic homes there are to visit. It is extraordinary to walk in the spaces where these authors spent their time writing some of the greatest works ever created.
On my visit, I was able to see Louisa May Alcott’s Orchard House. For generations, the site has been preserved and open to the public for tours. Inside, the rooms of each of the family members have been preserved along with the school founded by Louisa’s father Amos Bronson Alcott, which is located in the backyard.
Concord is also home to many other author homesteads. Right down the road from the Alcott’s orchard is The Wayside, which was once home to authors such as Louisa May Alcott, Nathaniel Hawthorne, and Harriet Lothrop. Also in town are the homes of Ralph Waldo Emerson and Nathaniel Hawthorne. There are several options to choose from.
The descriptions in Henry David Thoreau’s classic novel are true—Walden Pond really is surrounded by nature. After spending time visiting Concord’s many literary houses, Walden was a nice getaway. The lake is the site where Henry David Thoreau reflected upon nature and pioneered the wave of transcendentalism that was sweeping New England. Reading Walden at Walden is truly one of the most engaging experiences to have as a reader. If you’re planning any field trips, be warned that parking costs $30 if you don’t have Massachusetts plates.
Fans frequently flock to Concord’s Sleepy Hollow Cemetery to pay respects to some of the town’s famous writers who are buried there. It is customary to leave pencils, pens, and other writing utensils on their graves. Sleepy Hollow Cemetery is a fairly large graveyard. I would recommend finding a map or guide online to help you find the graves you are looking for. While I was there, I paid respect to the graves of Alcott, Hawthorne, and Thoreau.
In addition to the major historical sites, there are other lesser-known literary attractions to visit while in Concord. The Concord Free Public Library in the heart of downtown is a celebration of New England literature. The town’s most famous authors are immortalized in large stone sculptures. Along with these are of course collections of their works for the public to enjoy.
As a literary hub, Concord also has many charming independent bookstores. While in town, I visited The Concord Bookshop. The store has an impressive array of both new releases and timeless classics. It is a great place to discover more books to fall in love with.
Out of all the places I traveled this summer, Concord is one of my favorites. The town’s vast history of writing and publishing has sparked some of the most enduring works of literature that my friends and I appreciated still today. I can’t wait to come back and explore even more. You should too!
Trey Whitted
Iota Epsilon Chapter
Anderson University, IN
Sigma Tau Delta
Sigma Tau Delta, International English Honor Society, was founded in 1924 at Dakota Wesleyan University. The Society strives to
- Confer distinction for high achievement in English language and literature in undergraduate, graduate, and professional studies;
- Provide, through its local chapters, cultural stimulation on college campuses and promote interest in literature and the English language in surrounding communities;
- Foster all aspects of the discipline of English, including literature, language, and writing;
- Promote exemplary character and good fellowship among its members;
- Exhibit high standards of academic excellence; and
- Serve society by fostering literacy.
With over 900 active chapters located in the United States and abroad, there are more than 1,000 Faculty Advisors, and approximately 9,000 members inducted annually.
Sigma Tau Delta also recognizes the accomplishments of professional writers who have contributed to the fields of language and literature.
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