Almost 200 years after Paul Revere’s death his legacy lives on across Boston: at the house where he raised 16 children, at the church where he worked, through items that he artfully crafted. We might wager that he’s America’s best-known patriot. Lucky you, a visit to this city affords the opportunity to examine history through Revere’s eyes.
Paul Revere House
Built in 1680, Paul Revere’s former home is the oldest wooden house still standing in downtown Boston; he owned it from 1770-1800. Today, this building is on the National Historic Register and has been restored to a late 17th-century appearance.
19 North Square, Boston, 617.523.2338
Old North Church
As a teenager, Paul Revere had a job ringing the bells at this Loyalist church. Years later, it would be here that he had his friend Robert Newman would hang two signal lanterns in the steeple to indicate British troops were crossing the Charles River and marching to Lexington from Cambridge. Revere’s action famously led to the first firing shots of the American Revolution.
193 Salem St., Boston, 617.858.8231
Old South Meeting House
One of only 23 still existing, this rare 1801 Paul Revere & Sons foundry-made bell hangs at this historic 1729 Puritan church and gathering place that launched the Boston Tea Party.
310 Washington St., Boston, 617.482.6439
King’s Chapel
Speaking of bells, Revere called the one that still rings at King’s Chapel every Sunday “the sweetest bell I ever made.” It’s also the largest.
58 Tremont St., Boston, 617.523.1749
Museum of Fine Arts, Boston
While Revere himself never visited the MFA, his handiwork survives in the silver 1768 Sons of Liberty Bowl. Visitors can see his likeness at age 33 (painted by John Singleton Copley in 1768) and as an elderly man (painted by Gilbert Stuart in 1813).
465 Huntington Ave., Boston, 617.267.9300
Granary Burying Ground
The man himself is interred at this burial ground dating to 1660. A simple stone etched with “Revere’s Tomb” marks the site.
Tremont Street, Boston, 617.635.4505
Massachusetts State House
Revere’s most visible impact on the Commonwealth’s iconic legislative building is its dome, which he overlaid with copper in 1803. (Today, it is sheathed in 23-karat gold leaf.) But, Revere’s fingerprints are really all over the State House. He recently made headlines when a time capsule that he had helped Samuel Adams place the building’s cornerstone was discovered and opened, revealing coins, newspapers and other items from the Revolutionary era.
24 Beacon St., Boston, 617.722.2000
Paul Revere Mall
First designed in 1885 by artist Cyrus Edwin Dallin, this equestrian statue of Revere was not cast in bronze until 55 years later. It depicts the patriot as he heads to Lexington to spread the message of the advancing British troops and stands in a quiet North End park behind Old North Church.
Hanover Street, across from Clark Street, Boston
