CONCORD HYMN

The "'Concord Hymn'" is a poem written by Ralph Waldo Emerson in 1837 for the dedication of the Obelisk, a battle monument in Concord, Massachusetts that commemorated the contributions of area citizens at the Battle of Lexington and Concord (April 19, 1775), the first battle of the American Revolution.

One source of its power may be the author's personal ties to the subject. Emerson's grandfather was at the bridge on the day of the battle; their family home, The Old Manse, is next to the bridge; and Emerson is known to have written the hymn while living there.
In 1837, the hymn was sung to the tune "Old Hundredth" during Concord's 4th of July celebration. Modern critic Jonathan Mardin reflected on it favorably, calling it a "Too little-known masterpiece."