Battle Road Scenic Byway Named MA's First All-American Road

ARLINGTON, MA — The Battle Road Scenic Byway was recently named a 2021 All-American Road through the Federal Highway Administration's National Scenic Byways Program. The designation, which constitutes Route 2A, Massachusetts Avenue, is the first All-American Road in Massachusetts.

The designation accounts for evidence of intrinsic qualities; demonstration of national or regional significance; overall visitor's experience; and demonstration of long-term sustainability. With this designation comes recognition of the lasting importance of the events of April 1775 in the Greater Boston region.

In June 2020, the Battle Road Byway Committee submitted its application for designation of the Battle Road Byway as an All-American Road. The Committee consists of representatives from the towns of Arlington, Lexington, Lincoln, Concord, and the Minute Man National Historical Park.

The Committee was formed in 2013 and carries out the activities of the 2011 Battle Road Scenic Byway Corridor Management Plan for transportation, land use, and tourism along the Byway. The byway follows the approximate path of British regulars on April 19, 1775 during the battles that marked the start of the American Revolution and passes many sites of cultural and historical importance.

Sixty-three nomination applications were submitted to the National Scenic Byway Foundation. Forty-nine byways in 28 states were designated, including 34 National Scenic Byways and 15 All-American Roads. The designation does not come with any historical preservation restrictions other than the prohibition to install billboards on the byway, which already were not allowed.

"The battles that took place in Arlington in April of 1775 played a key role in the founding of our nation, and we are proud to have that history honored with the All-American Road designation in advance of the 250th anniversary of these events coming up in 2025," Town Manager Adam Chapdelaine said in a statement. "Partnering with Lexington, Lincoln, and Concord on the Battle Road Scenic Byway committee project will help to increase the visibility of Arlington’s role during the Revolutionary War."

All newly designated byways will be featured in a commemorative 2021 National Scenic Byways Program Designations Booklet and will also be added to the America's Byways website. For a list of the All-American Roads and National Scenic Byways designated in 2021, please view the 2021 Summary of Designated Byways.

To learn more about the Battle Road Scenic Byway, visit BattleRoadByway.org or contact Ali Carter, Economic Development Coordinator, at acarter@town.arlington.ma.us or 781-316-3095.