By Amaya Benzaquin-Magill — Correspondent
When Alex Chayrigues was growing up, “quick family trips” to the Old North Bridge fed his passion for history. Now, as a rising senior at Concord-Carlisle High School, he’s working to expand knowledge of the town’s historical heroes — including one who defended the bridge when he was Alex’s age.
Alex is the first student from CCHS — and the only current Massachusetts student — participating in the Youth Leadership Team of the American Battlefield Trust, a national organization dedicated to imparting “a love of history and preservation on future generations.”
This past year, Alex served alongside just ten juniors and seniors from high schools across the country.
As part of the Leadership Team, Alex and the other participants accepted the challenge of creating a project focused on preserving historical sites related to either the Civil War, the War of 1812, or the Revolutionary War. While contemplating how he could contribute, Alex considered that while he was a Concord history buff, others might not be aware of the lesser-known heroes of the Revolution.
“There are many knowledgeable people in this area, but your average tourist and town-goer may not know about this stuff,” Alex explained.
Uncovering the past
This realization guided Alex straight to his project: researching and profiling four men associated with the Old North Bridge during the Revolutionary War.
“It wasn’t like they were a trained fighting force,” Alex emphasized when discussing his project. “These were farmers, gunsmiths, and local townspeople who decided, ‘We have to stand up.’”
Intrigued, Alex delved into locating and recounting the identities and sacrifices of four men: Isaac Davis, Luther Blanchard, Abner Hosmer, and Timothy Merriam — who was only 17 when he took up arms against the British.
He particularly enjoyed uncovering Merriam’s lesser-known experience, as Merriam’s life continued long after the war had ended.
In profiling Merriam, who lived where the Battle Road began (now commemorated as Merriam’s Circle), Alex gained an understanding of what life was like in Concord at age 17 during the Revolutionary War.
Present action
As a milestone anniversary of the Revolution draws near, Alex’s project will conclude and be displayed.
“We’re eager to see these stories as we near the 250th anniversary of these events, and we’re excited to see what the future holds for Alex,” writes the Trust.
During his research process, Alex noticed an increasing need for engagement in tangible efforts, not just information sharing.
Although he says the National Park Services do a great job, he cites the critical nature of maintaining trails and improving signage as a way to get involved.
He also used an opportunity to attend the Trust’s annual conference in Gettysburg to push for further presentation, having meaningful conversations with board members. During a later trip to Washington, D.C., for Lobby Day, Alex spoke with Senators Elizabeth Warren and Ed Markey about the Trust’s preservation efforts.
Though nearly finished with his project — and now hoping to pursue a future career on Capitol Hill — Alex remains eternally committed to preserving the land and stories of the past.
“There’s always more to be done,” says Alex.
“If you really have the passion for history, you should definitely try to preserve it or find an organization that loves it and supports it.”
