Paul Revere’s ride began late on the night of April 18, 1775, as British troops prepared to march toward Lexington and Concord. Revere’s mission was to warn Samuel Adams and John Hancock, who were in Lexington and believed to be targets for arrest by the British.

Before leaving Boston, Revere arranged for a signal to be sent from the Old North Church—one lantern if the British came by land, two if by sea. After crossing the Charles River by boat, he rode through the countryside, alerting local militias and townspeople along the way.

He reached Lexington around midnight and warned Adams and Hancock. Revere then set out for Concord with William Dawes and Samuel Prescott. The group was stopped by a British patrol—Prescott escaped and made it to Concord, while Revere was briefly detained.

Although Revere didn’t complete the entire ride, his efforts helped spark a swift colonial response. Thanks to the early warnings, local militias were ready when the British arrived, leading to the first battles of the American Revolution.