Origins & Early Life

Paul Revere (December 21, 1734 O.S. (January 1, 1735 N.S.) – May 10, 1818) was an American silversmith, military officer and industrialist who played a major role during the opening months of the American Revolutionary War in Massachusetts, engaging in a midnight ride in 1775 to alert nearby minutemen of the approach of British troops prior to the battles of Lexington and Concord. Born in the North End of Boston, Revere eventually became a prosperous and prominent Bostonian, deriving his income from silversmithing and engraving. During the American Revolution, he was a strong supporter of the Patriot cause and joined the Sons of Liberty.

Pivotal Works & Achievements

His midnight ride transformed him into an American folk hero, being dramatized in Henry Wadsworth Longfellow's 1861 poem "Paul Revere's Ride". He also helped to organize an intelligence and alarm system to keep watch on the movements of British forces. Revere later served as an officer in the Massachusetts Militia, though his service ended after the Penobscot Expedition, one of the most disastrous American campaigns of the American Revolutionary War, for which he was absolved of blame. Following the war, Revere returned to his silversmith trade. He...

Enduring Legacy & Impact

The historical impact and works continue to influence the modern world.

Contemporary Figures & Related Historical Timelines

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• James FitzJames, 1st Duke of Berwick — Contemporary (Died in 1734) (1734): French-English military officer and Jacobite commander, known for his service to both France and England.
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• Elizabeth F. Ellet — Contemporary (Born in 1818) (1818): American writer, poet, and historian, celebrated for chronicling women's roles in the American Revolution.
• Emily Brontë — Contemporary (Born in 1818) (1818): English novelist celebrated for Wuthering Heights, a work of passionate literature.
• Benjamin Disraeli — Shared historical date (12-21 · Born) (1804): British statesman and Conservative leader, known for defining the modern Conservative Party.
• Betty Wright — Shared historical date (12-21 · Born) (1953): Iconic American soul and R&B singer known for her powerful vocal style.
• Adriano Giannini — Shared historical date (05-10 · Born) (1971): Italian actor known for dubbing and roles in film and television.
• Ariel Durant — Shared historical date (05-10 · Born) (1898): Ukrainian-born American historian, coauthor of The Story of Civilization.
• 1734 Historical Timeline & Archive — Explore world events and figures from 1734
• December 21 (12-21) On This Day — Historical birthdays and events on December 21
• 1818 Historical Timeline & Archive — Explore world events and figures from 1818
• May 10 (05-10) On This Day — Historical events and memorials on May 10