Paul Revere was born on January 1, 1735, in Boston, Massachusetts. Revere was a prosperous Boston silversmith, engraver and an American Patriot during the American Revolution. Paul Revere is best known for his "Midnight Ride," to warn the Colonial militia and Sons of Liberty of the arrival of the British soldiers before the battles of Lexington and Concord.

Iconic Propaganda engraved by Paul Revere following the 1770 Boston Massacre. Learn more about this

Revere's Warning

On April 7, 1775, British soldiers began moving towards the city of Concord where a large supply of Patriot arms was being stored. Joseph Warren sent Paul Revere, a messenger, to warn the Provincial Congress of Massachusetts of the British troop movements towards Concord. Soon after Revere's warning was received, the citizens of Concord began quickly moving the Patriot militia supplies to a safer location.

Midnight Ride

On April 18, 1775, Joseph Warren once again sent Paul Revere to deliver a secret message to the Patriot militia. The British troops had plans to capture two of the two leaders of the Sons of Liberty, John Hancock and Samuel Adams. Revere set out on horseback that fateful night to deliver a warning message to all who he passed.

What did Revere Really Say?

In popular culture, his message has evolved into the timeless words, "The British are coming, The British are coming." In reality, however, Revere likely never actually shouted such words because his mission was a secret. He more likely shouted "The Regulars are Coming Out" according to his own recollection. Revere's "Midnight Ride" was successful because he was able alert Adams and Hancock of their potential capture. Revere's message also alerted the Patriot militia of the British troop's movements towards Lexington and Concord. Revere and other patriots were soon captured by the British. Revere told the British militia of the Patriot troops movements and plans. Once the British heard the bells ringing and the plans of the Patriot defense they set Revere and the other captured Patriots free and retreated to warn their commanders of the Patriot defenses.

Back to Silversmithing

Paul Revere remained an active American Patriot for most of his adult life and settled back into his life as a silversmith after the Revolution. He died on May 8, 1818.

Discussion Questions

1. Why was Paul Revere’s April 7 warning important for the Patriots?
2. What is the difference between the famous phrase “The British are coming” and what Revere likely said?
3. How did Revere’s Midnight Ride impact the battles of Lexington and Concord?
4. Why do you think Revere returned to silversmithing after the war?

Glossary

• Patriot – A colonist who supported independence from Britain.
• Provincial Congress – A governing body for the colony before full independence.
• Militia – A group of citizen soldiers prepared to fight in emergencies.
• Sons of Liberty – A secret group of Patriots working against British rule.
• Regulars – The term colonists used to describe British soldiers.

Five Interesting Facts

1. Paul Revere was also an engraver and made political cartoons supporting independence.
2. His “Midnight Ride” was part of a larger network of riders.
3. He never actually shouted “The British are coming.”
4. Revere’s warning helped save important leaders and weapons.
5. He lived to be 83 years old, a long life for his time.

Timeline

• January 1, 1735 – Born in Boston, Massachusetts.
• April 7, 1775 – Warned the Provincial Congress about British movements toward Concord.
• April 18, 1775 – Rode to warn of British plans to capture Hancock and Adams.
• Post-1783 – Returned to work as a silversmith after the Revolution.
• May 8, 1818 – Died in Boston at age 83.