On July 4, 1845, Henry David Thoreau left his family home to live in a
cabin he himself built on the shore of Walden
Pond, on property owned by his friend and mentor Ralph Waldo Emerson. Henry's intent was
to write a book. He stayed over two years, keeping a journal of his thoughts and his
encounters with nature and society, eventually publishing them in his book, Walden.
The rest is history.
A portion of the 411-acre Walden Pond State Reservation, though not the pond itself, lies
within Lincoln along Concord Road (Rt. 126).
Walden Pond is now a State Park offering opportunities for swimming, fishing, hiking and
cross-country skiing.
Walden Pond State Reservation
Route 126, Concord, MA 01742 978-369-3254
Pond, on property owned by his friend and mentor Ralph Waldo Emerson. Henry's intent was
to write a book. He stayed over two years, keeping a journal of his thoughts and his
encounters with nature and society, eventually publishing them in his book, Walden.
The rest is history. 