Students spends lots of time learning about the revolutionary history of the country, and some of the heroes from that era. I remember memorizing the words of Henry Wadsworth Longfellow describing the famous ride of Paul Revere:

One if by land, and two if by sea; And I on the opposite shore will be, Ready to ride and spread the alarm Through every Middlesex village and farm

The poem refers to hanging a lantern (or lanterns) in the belfry of the Old North Church in Boston as a signal that the British were coming, a signal to Paul Revere to alert the neighboring villages to prepare and take action.

The Old North Church still stands in Boston today, and is the city’s oldest surviving church structure as well as a National Historic Landmark. It’s 191 foot tall steeple makes it the tallest steeple in the city, and it a recognizable part of the Boston skyline. The church is on Boston’s Freedom Trail, a two and a half mile red-brick walking trail that leads you to 16 historic sites.

The church is more properly known as Christ Church in the City of Boston, and is affiliated with the Episcopalian Church. It is an active church, and services have been held there regularly since it was built in 1723, save for a brief closure during the American Revolution. It’s said that the box pews, the brass chandeliers, and the first clock are all original — that’s over 250 years ago!

A short walk through the church will give you a view of architecture and a tremendous sense of history.

Location: Old North Church, 193 Salem Street, Boston

Hours: June-October, 9 am-6 pm daily; November & December, 10 am-5 pm daily; January & February, 10 am-4 pm, Tuesday-Sunday; March – May, 9 am-5 pm daily.

Church Services: Sunday at 9 and 11 am; Thursday at 6 pm. Visitors are welcome to attend services.

Admission: No charge. Donations are accepted and welcome.

Photo credit: wikimedia commons