The monument, located in a small cemetery at the center of Worcester Common,[1] honors Timothy Bigelow, a Patriot during the American Revolutionary War.

He commanded the 15th Massachusetts Regiment and is notable for leading minutemen from Worcester during the Battles of Lexington and Concord, the first military engagement of the war.

[5] Worcester Mayor Alexander Bullock designated a 20 square feet (1.9 m2) lot in the small cemetery in the commons for the monument.

[6] In March 1861, the committee extended an invitation to Worcester native George Bancroft to give an oration at the monument's dedication, but he declined, citing his health.

The celebrations included a song, written by Clark Jillson, performed by a local glee club, followed by speeches given by several notable individuals.

[14] On Mother's Day in 2009, a military drill and wreath laying ceremony was held at the monument, with historian and author Ray Raphael presenting.

[8] According to a commemorative program published shortly after the dedication, the monument was topped with a foliated cross, with the total height of the structure being 30 feet (9.1 m).