Hollywood star Kurt Russell recently explored his family lineage, uncovering a remarkable connection to Arlington and a pivotal event in American history. His ancestor, Jason Russell, lost his life during the Battle of Menotomy on the first day of the Revolutionary War while defending his home.
Russell expressed his amazement at this discovery, stating, “We’re kind of amazed that we’re connected. I am amazed.” According to historian Jonathan Lane, Jason Russell’s brave stand not only cost him his life but also left a lasting legacy of liberty for his descendants.
The Arlington Historical Society notes that during the conflict, Russell, alongside eleven other colonists and two British soldiers, met his end as the fighting escalated along the British retreat route from Concord to Boston. Jason Russell constructed his home in the 1740s, utilizing salvaged materials from his family’s earlier residence. The house has undergone modifications in the 19th century, and the Arlington Historical Society restored it in 1923, later adding it to the National Register of Historic Places in 1974.
Kurt Russell, along with his son Boston, visited the Jason Russell home for the first time, having only recently discovered their deep-rooted connection. Reflecting on the visit, Boston remarked, “There’s a strange familiarity to this place, don’t you feel that?” to which Russell replied, “Yes.”
The actor, who was born in Springfield, Massachusetts, noted that this newfound connection to his family’s past provides a sense of belonging and pride. He remarked on the values instilled in him and his family, saying, “That’s the way we were brought up… It does not surprise me.”
This revelation of familial ties to such a significant moment in history not only offers a personal story for Russell but serves as a reminder of the sacrifices made in the pursuit of freedom, connecting the past with the present in a heartfelt manner.