"Listen, my children, and you shall hear of the midnight ride of Paul Revere!" So begins Longfellow's famous poem recounting Paul Revere's heroic ride to warn the colonists of the upcoming British attack. Although Longfellow took some literary license, Revere does deserve recognition for his patriotism.

Who Was Paul Revere?

Paul Revere was born in the winter of 1734 and died in May 1818. He was a silversmith in the town of Boston and was a leader of the colonists in the Revolutionary War.

His Political Activities

In the years before the Revolutionary War, Paul Revere became famous for his political cartoons, as well as his detailed drawings of the Boston Massacre, which were done for use in the trial. He also acted as an unofficial spy, gathering information through his business and his customers.

His Midnight Ride

Paul Revere's most famous action was his ride from Boston to Lexington. He, along with two other riders, was sent by independence leaders to warn John Hancock and Samuel Adams of their intended arrest by the British. He also warned the town of Lexington of British movements and possible attack.

After the War

After the war, Revere returned to his metalwork, turning from silver to copper. His copper-bottomed pots became famous for their quality, and it was Revere who rolled the copper sheeting that covered the hull of the U.S.S. Constitution.

Longfellow's Poem

Longfellow's poem, "Paul Revere's Ride," was the main catalyst to Paul Revere's rise to fame. Not all the facts in the poem are correct. Revere was not the only rider that night, neither did he cry "The British are coming." Also, Revere never made it to Concord--he was arrested on the way, and released without his horse or his gun several hours later. However, the poem brought Revere's heroic action to the public notice, and the Revolutionary War hero continues to be beloved by Americans today.

Source:

Paul Revere House