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Minuteman Milestones
This 1954 photograph shows a steam locomotive passing under the Lexington Center Depot’s train shed. Today, the Minuteman Bikeway passes through this railroad structure. (Photo courtesy of Mystic Valley Railway Society.)
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1775 |
American Revolution started along the historic corridor where Minuteman Bikeway passes today. |
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1846 |
Railroad built, providing both passenger and freight service. |
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1974 |
Concept first proposed to convert the rail corridor to a commuter bicycle path. |
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1977 |
Regular passenger rail service ended. |
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1981 |
Rail service discontinued. |
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1991 |
Final plan for rail-trail conversion approved, and construction started on Minuteman Bikeway. |
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1992 |
Minuteman Bikeway officially dedicated and named the 500th rail-trail in USA (by Rails-to-Trails Conservancy). |
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1993 |
Bikeway construction completed. |
| 1994 | Bikeway honored for Urban Design Excellence, Boston Society of Architects. |
| 1998 | Bikeway extended from East Arlington to Alewife Station in Cambridge. |
| 2000 | Minuteman Bikeway recognized as a Millennium Trail by the White House and Rails-to-Trails Conservancy. (The Millennium Trails program recognizes, promotes, and supports trails as a means to preserve open space, interpret history and culture, and enhance community recreation and tourism.) |
| 2002 | Minuteman Bikeway website launched. Bikeway entirely repaved in Arlington. |
| 2003 | Minuteman Bikeway named "Trail of the Month" by Rails-to-Trails Conservancy (RTC) in April. Bikeway tour hosted for attendees of RTC's national conference in June. |
| 2004 | Bedford Depot Park enhancement project completed at the west terminus of the Minuteman Bikeway. |
| 2006 | More than 1,350 rail-trails now developed across USA, with even more coming soon! |