The Boston Post Road was one of the first major roadways to be developed in colonial New England. The section of US 20 in Weston was originally a Native American footpath, and had its first documented use as a post road in 1673. What is now Weston was originally the westernmost precinct of Watertown, and its town center arose around its first meeting house built in 1695. The road was upgraded in 1783 to accommodate stagecoaches. Some of the route's oldest buildings are taverns operated in part to support passing travelers, including the Golden Ball Tavern (1763) and Josiah Smith's (1757). The roadway is in part significant for its importance in the American Revolutionary War, when it was used by Patriot forces to move men and military supplies. Sites of importance along the road include Lamson Park, where Weston's militia mustered before marching to the Battles of Lexington and Concord in 1775, and the Golden Ball Tavern, whose Loyalist owner made it the target of protests. The route gradually declined in importance in the 19th century, as it was supplanted by more directly routed turnpikes. As a result, the roadway has retained much rural character, with only limited encroachment from suburban residential development and the growth of the center to accommodate a larger population.