In those years the tavern was a favorite gathering place for militiamen on days when they trained on the Lexington Green.

Having received word that the regular army had left Boston in force to seize and destroy military supplies in Concord, several dozen militiamen gathered on the town common, and then eventually went to the tavern to await the arrival of the British troops.

Definite word reached them just before sunrise, and Captain Parker's company of militia left the tavern to assemble in two ranks on the common.

The tavern's interior appears today very much as it did in 1775 and one can see the restored 18th-century taproom with large fireplace and central chimney.

Among the many items on display is the old front door, with its bullet hole possibly made by a British musket ball during the battle, and a portrait of John Buckman.