10 Fascinating Facts About Paul Revere’s Midnight Ride

On the evening of April 18, 1775, Paul Revere embarked on a daring midnight ride to warn the American militia that British troops were on their way to Concord, Massachusetts. This legendary journey has become an iconic symbol of the American Revolution, but many fascinating facts about the ride remain unknown.

1. The Ride Was Part of a Larger Network

Revere’s ride was not a solitary mission. He was part of a team of riders who were tasked with spreading the alarm about the British advance. Other riders included William Dawes and Samuel Prescott, who rode different routes to ensure the message reached its destination.

Paul Revere's Midnight Ride: The True Story of How It Happened: A 15-Minute Book (15-Minute Books 1202)

by Jeannie Meekins

4 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	1741 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	17 pages
Lending	:	Enabled

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2. Revere Was a Skilled Craftsman

Before becoming a silversmith, Revere was an apprentice to his father, a goldsmith. This training gave him the skills necessary to create the intricate pieces of silver for which he is famous. He also used his metalworking skills to make dental tools and surgical instruments.

3. Revere Was a Freemason

Revere was a member of the Freemasons, a fraternal organization that played an important role in the American Revolution. Freemasons used secret codes and symbols to communicate, which may have helped Revere to avoid detection during his ride.

4. Revere’s Horse Was Named Brown Beauty

Revere’s horse, Brown Beauty, was a fast and reliable mount. She carried Revere over 70 miles during the ride, and she is credited with helping him to outrun the British pursuers.

5. Revere Was Not the Only Rider to Reach Concord

Although Revere is often credited with being the sole rider to reach Concord, he was actually beaten by William Dawes. Dawes arrived first, but he was captured by the British and unable to continue the mission.

6. Revere Was Captured on His Return Trip

After reaching Concord, Revere set out to return to Boston to report on the situation. However, he was captured by the British at a roadblock in Lexington. He was held prisoner for two days before being released.

7. Revere’s Ride Inspired Longfellow’s Poem

In 1860, Henry Wadsworth Longfellow published his poem “Paul Revere’s Ride.” The poem immortalized the event and helped to make Revere a household name. However, Longfellow took some liberties with the historical facts, including the number of riders and the distance of the ride.

8. Revere’s Ride Was a Turning Point in the Revolution

Revere’s ride was a critical event in the early days of the American Revolution. It helped to mobilize the militia and rally support for the cause of independence. The ride also demonstrated the courage and determination of the American colonists.

9. Revere Is Buried in the Granary Burying Ground

Revere died in Boston in 1818 at the age of 83. He is buried in the Granary Burying Ground, alongside other notable Bostonians such as Samuel Adams and John Hancock.

10. Revere’s Legacy Lives On

Paul Revere’s midnight ride remains an iconic moment in American history. His courage and determination have inspired generations of Americans. The ride is still commemorated each year with the reenactment of the Boston Tea Party and the Paul Revere Lantern Light Tour.

Paul Revere's Midnight Ride: The True Story of How It Happened: A 15-Minute Book (15-Minute Books 1202)

by Jeannie Meekins

4 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	1741 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	17 pages
Lending	:	Enabled

FREE