Boston Freedom Trail

13. Old North Church

Boston, MA

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Officially known as "Christ Church in the City of Boston," this 1723 built Episcopal church is Boston's oldest Church building. Located at 193 Salem Street, the church is where Robert Newman signaled lanterns to warn the colonists of the approaching British Army with the now famous words "One if by land, and two, if by sea," on April 18, 1775. These lantern signals were a part of Paul Revere's midnight ride, which heralded the Battle of Lexington and Concord and the start of the American Revolution. On the night of Paul Revere's ride, he told three men to use two lanterns to signal the militia when they saw the British troops. The signal was to warn the Charleston patriots across the river. Revere and another patriot, William Dawes, would deliver the message in person, but the lantern method was the most efficient way to send a message across the river. Back-up riders were assigned in case Revere or Dawes were arrested before accomplishing their mission. Old North Church's design was inspired by Christopher Wren, the British architect who rebuilt London after the Great Fire. Its steeple towers at 191 feet tall, are the tallest in Boston. Inside the steeple are eight change ringing bells, cast in Gloucester, England in 1744 and hung in 1745. Paul Revere was one of the bell ringers at the Old North Church. The high box pews brass chandeliers, and the Church's first clock remain. Today, the church is a member of the Episcopal Diocese of Massachusetts. Being the oldest active church building in Boston, it is listed as a National Historic Landmark. There is a bust of George Washington inside. According to the Marquise de Lafayette it is the best likeness of the founding father.