Walk the Freedom Trail in Paul Revere's Footsteps 

Paul Revere, the artisan, by John Singleton Copley exhibited at the Museum of Fine Arts, Boston; seven years before his midnight ride at the age of 35.

At 79, in his staunch colonial dress. By Gilbert Stuart, hanging in the Museum of Fine Arts, Boston. 1812/1813, four years before his death.

Five things you never knew about Paul Revere;

1. Paul's father was a French Huguenot that survived the purge of Calvinists in France. Their family name was Riviore.
2. Paul fought in the French and Indian War and the Revolutionary War but never distinguished himself.
3. Paul asked for a court-martial to clear his reputation tarnished by the Penobscot Expedition.
4. Paul made over 325 church bells, cannons used in two wars and copper plating for naval ships.
5. Paul Revere served Boston as a coroner.  He investigated and testified in cases of murder, infanticide and suicide. Compare 18th century society to the 21st Century.

Tour stops; Reverse chronological order from the Capitol to the North End coinciding with his greatest accomplishments and downhill for your walking pleasure.

1. His inaugural speech capping a career.  A very learned man.
2. Architectural credit goes to Charles Bullfinch but the brick and mortar and the dome go to Paul and his son-in-law Amos Lincoln.
3. Paul's service to the Navy and the War of 1812.  Cannon and copper.
4. Kings Chapel and a very active Revere church bell; one among hundreds.
5. His service as coroner.
6. The Penobscot Expedition 1779.
7. Did Paul participate in the Boston Tea Party?  His aunt certainly thought he did.
8. Where and what was Paul doing when the first "shots heard round the world" were fired?
9. His escape from the British!
10. Why no one knows the name of his horse?
11. The location of his channel row to Charlestown on that famous mid-night ride.
12. How did Rachel Revere save the night as the lanterns were lit.?
13. The spy network; caucuses, Free Mason associations.
14. The artisans. Edes, Gill, Jackson and Revere.
15. Apprenticeships; father and son.
16. His poetry.
17. The house he first owned today a museum. End of tour.

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Go beyond his ride and learn of the enormous contribution made to  society and the industrial and military development of the United States.
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Paul Revere's Neighborhood

The Old North Church steeple toppled in the 1804 hurricane; now 16 feet lower.

Edes and Gills printing museum. An action packed ten minutes. Cocoa served across the hall.

Captain Jackson serves hot chocolate from the 18th C; the third most popular drink after cider and milk

The occupying force had little reverence for burial grounds, church's, landmarks, vacant homes or Colonial laws.

Paul lived next door to the Hichbourns. Typical of the times he married Hichbourn's daughter; his first wife, Sarah.

Paul was 19, and assumed the business upon his father's death, after he paid off his indenture to his mother.

4/18/1770, Paul was rowed across by two friends. A dog, a petty-coat and a borrowed horse, played a major role in their success.

Location, location, location. This old house has much to say.

Paul Revere and sons hung this bell in the steeple of King's Chapel, Tremont Street Boston, in 1816. It weighs 2400 pounds and rings beautiful today on special occasions. We visit the Chapel on our tour.