In honor of Independence Day, here are a few historic sites with a patriotic past that are dog friendly.  To plan your visit, including directions, weather forecast, photos and more, please click on the highlighted name.  Also for more historic locations, please visit our Dog Friendly Places page, where you’ll find dog beaches, hiking trails, and scenic walks!

Battle Road Trail, Concord, MA:  Follow in the footsteps of the Minute Men and British Soldiers on that fateful day of April 19, 1775 which launched the American Revolution.  Battle Road Trail is a dog friendly trail from Concord to Lexington, Massachusetts that follows what remains of the original road, fields and forests.  This easy walk connects historic sites including Meriam’s corner where the Minute Men forced the British retreat back to Boston; the home of Captain William Smith, commander of the Lincoln Minute Men and brother of Abigail Adams; and the stretch of road where Paul Revere was captured thus ending the famous “Midnight Ride of Paul Revere.”  The entire trail is 5 miles one way.  Dogs are allowed on-leash.

Eliot Boat Basin, Eliot, ME: This unassuming park holds a Revolutionary secret.  Follow the trailhead behind the playground, and you’ll find an approximately one mile trail that winds it way through old growth trees, past a small foundation, to the final resting place of two soldiers who served in the American Revolution.  However, that’s not the secret!  Continue following the trail to the small beach with views of historic Frank’s Fort Island.  Prior to the events of April 19, 1775, the colonists raided Fort William and Mary in Newcastle, NH on December 14, 1774.  Some historians argue this was the first act of rebellion towards independence.  Rumor has it some of the gun powder taken from the British forces that night was hidden on tiny Frank’s Fort Island, visible from the Eliot Boat Basin.  Dogs must be on-leash.  Swimming is NOT allowed due to the strong current of the Piscataqua River.

Fort McClary, Kittery, ME:  Since 1689 this site has been used to protect the Piscataqua River and surrounding communities in Maine and New Hampshire.  However, this land was owned by the Pepperrell family who were British Loyalists.  During the American Revolution this property including the fort, was confiscated by local patriots, and manned by the New Hampshire militia until the end of the war.  No structures from the original Fort William remain, but you can spend the day exploring later buildings including the blockhouse.  In 1808 the fort was renamed Fort McClary for the New Hampshire native Major Andrew McClary, who died at the Battle of Bunker Hill.  Dog are allowed on-leash.

Eastern Promenade, Portland, ME: This waterfront trail offers approximately 2.1 miles of easy walking with scenic views of Casco Bay and the ocean.  On the National Register of Historic Places, the 68 acre park includes the site of Fort Allen, which was active during the American Revolution and War of 1812.  Named for Colonel Ethan Allen who captured Fort Ticonderoga in May 1775, today only the earthworks of the fort are visible.  Dogs are allowed on-leash.