 |
Old North Church, Boston Mass. |
|
|
This is where the two lanterns were hung to signal Paul Revere, waiting on the Charlestown shore, of British troop movements: "one if by land, two if by sea." |
||
|
|
|
You can see by the church's hillside location (193 Salem St—map) why it was a good place from which to give such a signal. It was two lanterns hung in the tower that started Paul Revere and William Dawes on their fateful night rides on April 19, 1775 to warn the Colonials in Lexington and Concord that British troops were heading out from Boston to search for hidden arms. Old North is the oldest church building in Boston (1723), and is today officially known as Christ Church, Episcopal. A walk around inside turns up many curiosities that bear on the history of Boston and the United States: memorial plaques to famous men, nameplates on the very high pews. The tall graceful windows of Old North Church are exceptionally fine. Although it's now hemmed in by houses and shops on all sides, Old North Church does have a set of tiny terraces and gardens open to the public on its north side. The small formal garden and the fountain are good to refresh your spirit on a hot day, and the memorial plaques set into the walls are, in some cases, delightful. One reads: 1757-1923 Here on September 13, 1757 "In
1923 the year of the first continuous flight across The question that comes to mind: would it not have been faster to dispatch John Childs by air from the steeple to Lexington and Concord rather than Dawes and Revere on horseback by land, on that historic night in 1775? Old
North Church (Christ Church) North End & Charlestown Walking Tour |
|
Boston's Old North Church—that steeple is a great place for a signal lamp!
|
|
|
||||
