Database: The signal of the Old North Church

Built in 1723 and located in the North End of Boston, the Old North Church is the oldest standing church of the city. It is also famous for its relation to Paul Revere's Midnight Ride at the beginning of the American Revolution. Revere, a wealthy Bostonian devoted to the Patriot cause, alerted the American militia stationed nearby as to the moves of the British troops. On Revere's order, from the bell tower of the Church, the sexton reportedly sent a signal by lantern which had been previously agreed as "one if by land, two if by sea". As the British used the Charles River to approach, two lanterns were lit, only briefly to avoid detection. This first alert, completed by Revere's horse ride, was crucial for the following American victories at Lexington and Concord in 1775.