Paul Revere
Explore the life of Paul Revere (1734–1818), his role in the American Revolution, key achievements, and famous quotes. Learn about “Paul Revere quotes,” “life and career of Paul Revere,” and his legacy.
Introduction
Paul Revere (December 21, 1734 O.S. / January 1, 1735 N.S. – May 10, 1818) was a multifaceted American patriot: an artisan, a propagandist, a militia officer, and a key messenger in the early days of the American Revolution. Today, he is best remembered for his “midnight ride” to warn colonial militia that British troops were marching. Over time, his actions became symbolic of vigilance, resistance, and revolution.
Though much of his legendary status is shaped by later dramatization (especially by Longfellow’s 1861 poem “Paul Revere’s Ride”) , his real contributions—both in craft and in political activism—played a substantial role in the American colonial resistance.
Early Life and Family
Paul Revere was born in Boston’s North End on December 21, 1734 (Old Style calendar) to Apollos Rivoire (a French immigrant turned silversmith) and Deborah Hitchborn, members of a longstanding Boston family. His father’s original name was Rivoire; over time, it was Anglicized to “Revere.”
He was one of many children (the third of 12, though not all survived to adulthood). At age 13, young Paul left formal schooling and apprenticed under his father in silversmithing. He never learned French, though his father spoke it; Revere grew up speaking English.
From early on, Revere developed skills not only in silver and engraving but in networking with Boston’s artisan and political circles—skills that later connected him with the Patriot cause.
Career, Craft & Patriotism
Silversmith, Engraver & Early Business
Revere became a proficient and respected silversmith, producing items such as coffee pots, utensils, and decorative silver works. He also worked as an engraver, making propaganda prints such as his depiction of the Boston Massacre to galvanize public sentiment against British policies.
After the Revolution, Revere expanded into more industrial metalworking. He founded a copper and iron works, cast bells, cannon, and other hardware, transforming from artisan to early industrial entrepreneur.
Involvement in the Patriot Movement
Revere was an active member of Boston’s Sons of Liberty and helped organize committees to monitor British troop movements. He also helped establish a system of alarm and intelligence among colonial towns, so that news of troop movements could spread fast.
The Midnight Ride & Warning
On the night of April 18, 1775, Revere rode (with William Dawes and later Samuel Prescott) from Boston toward Lexington and Concord to warn that British soldiers were en route to suppress colonial military supplies.
The plan had been set in motion via signals: “one if by land, two if by sea,” referring to lanterns hung in the steeple of Boston’s Old North Church to tell Revere which route the British would take.
Along the way, Revere alerted militia captains and householders—“I alarmed almost every house” he later wrote. He was captured by a British patrol in Lincoln and escorted back to Lexington, though he was later released.
Historians note that while Revere’s ride was important, it was not the only ride that night—other riders (e.g. Samuel Prescott, Israel Bissell) also carried alarms farther.
Military Role & Later Years
During the war, Revere served as a militia officer in Massachusetts. His military record includes involvement (albeit controversial) in the ill-fated Penobscot Expedition (1779), from which he was later absolved of blame.
After the war, he resumed his silversmith business, expanded into metalworking, and played a role in early American industry. He also participated in local politics, and was aligned with the Federalist Party.
Revere died on May 10, 1818 in Boston, leaving a legacy as both artisan and Patriot.
Historical Context & Significance
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Revere’s midnight ride is emblematic of how local networks and citizen mobilization were crucial in the American Revolution—information was power.
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The legend of Revere rests heavily on Longfellow’s poem “Paul Revere’s Ride”, published in 1861, which elevated his status in the American imagination—even though the poem dramatizes many details.
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His later role transitioning from artisan to industrial entrepreneur illustrates an early shift in American economic culture—from craft shops to more mechanized, diversified production.
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Revere’s life straddles the colonial era into the new nation; his career shows how revolutionaries often had to become builders of the new republic.
Legacy & Influence
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Paul Revere’s name endures in numerous U.S. places: Revere, Massachusetts, Revere Beach, streets, and institutions named in his honor.
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His artifacts—silverware, engravings, tools—are preserved in major museums, such as the Museum of Fine Arts, Boston, and the Met.
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The industrial foundry he established evolved into the Revere Copper Company, which persisted beyond his lifetime.
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The annual reenactments and commemorations (Patriots’ Day, lantern ceremonies at the Old North Church) keep memory of his ride alive.
Personality, Style & Traits
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Entrepreneurial ambition: Revere was never content just as an artisan—he invested profits into expansion and innovation in metalwork.
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Boldness & courage: His willingness to ride in danger to warn others reflects personal bravery and conviction.
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Networker & organizer: He cultivated ties among artisans, patriots, and militia, which made his role as messenger feasible.
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Artistic & propagandistic skill: His engravings and prints were persuasive tools in shaping public opinion.
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Resilience: Despite setbacks (e.g. being detained, military failures), he recovered and continued contributing to the new nation.
Famous Quotes
Because much of his legend is filtered through later retellings, the number of well-attested quotations from Paul Revere is limited. Nevertheless, here are a few famous or attributed lines:
“One if by land, and two if by sea.”
“If the British march by land or sea from the town tonight, hang a lantern aloft in the Belfry‐arch of the North Church Tower, as a signal light.”
“The Regulars are coming out!”
“In Medford, I awaked the Captain of the Minute Men; & after that, I alarmed almost every house, till I got to Lexington.”
“There’s a time for casting silver; a time for casting cannon. If that isn’t in the red, it should be!”
It’s worth noting that the quote “The British are coming” is widely attributed to his ride but is unlikely to have been said by him in those exact words—colonial revolutionaries typically avoided such phrasing as many colonists were still British subjects.
Lessons from Paul Revere’s Life
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Connectivity matters
The success of his ride depended not just on personal bravery but on a network of informed, motivated individuals across towns. -
Symbolism can outlast fact
Revere’s rise to legendary status shows how myth, poetry, and national identity can reshape historical memory—sometimes more powerfully than the original deeds. -
Adapt and expand
He transitioned from artisan to industrialist, showing the importance of growth, reinvention, and investment in new capabilities. -
Be willing to take risk for principle
His decision to ride through dangerous terrain for a cause demonstrates how individuals can make pivotal contributions through bold, decisive action. -
Legacy is built multi-dimensionally
Revere’s impact comes from craft, activism, business, and symbolism. He was not just one thing—artisan, messenger, patriot, entrepreneur—all interwoven.
Conclusion
Paul Revere remains an enduring figure in American history—not solely because of the dramatic ride for which he is best known, but because his life connects craftsmanship, political activism, and early industrial ambition. His story reminds us how ordinary skills, when allied with conviction, can reverberate through generations.