Built in 1710, the Buckman Tavern in Lexington, Mass., served as a meeting space for locals and travelers.

In 1714, John Muzzey got permission to make this into “Publique House of Entertainment” and if I had to guess, I’d say that probably made him a pretty popular dude. After freezing in unheated churches each Sunday, residents came to enjoy a cozy fire and a hot flip, a drink popular in colonial times.

In the early morning of April 19, 1775, Captain Parker and his militia met at the Buckman Tavern to await the British Redcoats for the battle that would begin the Revolutionary War.

Later on, the building became a post office. At the behest of the Lexington Historical Society, the town bought the tavern in 1914 to save it from being demolished. It is still owned by the town and operated by the Historical Society.

Open from 9:30 a.m.-2:30 p.m., visitors can take a self-guided tour and see exhibits.