Lexington Freedom Train Monument

This monument honors Lewis and Harriet Hayden, abolitionists whose lives were shaped by courage, resistance, and a commitment to freedom. After escaping enslavement, the couple became prominent figures in the abolition movement, helping others along the path to liberation.

Created by Jamaican artist Basil Watson, the sculpture captures the Haydens striding forward together, hands clasped and raised “Toward Freedom,” symbolizing both their personal journey and the broader struggle for emancipation. While the Haydens are widely recognized in Boston for their activism, this monument brings that recognition to Lexington, where their story began. It stands as a tribute not only to their legacy but also to the many enslaved African Americans who fought for their freedom.