Who was Paul Revere?


Quick Answer

Paul Revere, who lived from 1734 to 1818, played a crucial role in the American colonies' fight for independence from the British crown. He is most known for his Midnight Ride on April 18, 1775, where he rode by horse from Boston to Lexington to warn colonists of British advances.

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Full Answer

Paul Revere was the son of a French Huguenot named Apollos Rivoire, and his mother's name was Deborah Hitchbourn. Paul Revere had 10 or 11 siblings. He learned many skills growing up, including engraving and silversmith work, enabling him to pursue dental work. He was also a successful artist, producing copper plate engravings and illustrations for a variety of publications, including propaganda material against the British.

Revere quickly became involved in activities against the British crown, becoming a member of the Sons of Liberty, the Massachusetts militia and taking part in the Boston Tea Party in 1773. His midnight ride from Boston to Lexington helped prepare American troops to face the oncoming British troops. This ride was made even more famous by Henry Wadsworth Longfellow's poem about it, though the poem is not completely historically accurate. There is also no solid evidence that Paul Revere ever uttered his now immortal cry "The British are coming."

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