Spread the Alarm: A Network of Midnight Riders Alert the Countryside

Behind, the shadows of Boston loomed. Ahead, the shore of Charlestown and the waiting road toward Lexington and Concord. Paul Revere and trusted friends rowed quietly, slipping out of British-patrolled Boston, Massachusetts. 

Hours before, Patriot leader Joseph Warren had summoned the messengers who would spread the word that “the Regulars are coming” through the countryside during the night of April 18–19, 1775. Paul Revere — silversmith, father and one of the Sons of Liberty — wasted no time. William Dawes also hurried, leaving Boston by land, and likely using his good humor to ease his way past the British guards. 

Behind Revere, the steeple of Christ Church — sometimes called the Old North Church — silhouetted dark against the sky. Not long before, two flickering lanterns had shone from the steeple’s highest windows: another signal to the waiting countryside, in case the messengers were apprehended. Believing secrecy essential to his operation’s success, British General Thomas Gage stationed guards and patrols in Boston’s streets and along the roads toward Concord to catch any couriers.

Meanwhile, forming ranks outside their barracks, British soldiers waited for orders to make their own departure from the rebellious city and march the 16 miles west to Concord, where they believed arms and ammunition had been secreted. Disarming the dissatisfied rebels of other towns had already been attempted with little success, but Gage hoped the expedition to Concord would firmly end the Massachusetts troubles. Lieutenant Colonel Francis Smith and Major John Pitcairn had been picked for their leadership and willingness to lead the mission. 

Revere eluded the British in his departure from Boston. Friends met him with a horse, and he trotted into the darkness. He paused at the houses of known militia leaders, rousing them and igniting the networks of minutemen, militia and other messenger riders to carry the news to more distant communities. Revere rode north, then west — passing through the village of Medford and turning closer to the Mystic River to avoid British patrols blocking his preferred road. Shortly after midnight, he cantered into the village of Lexington. Revere warned John Hancock and Samuel Adams — Sons of Liberty leaders — to seek safety and roused the leaders of Captain John Parker’s militia. 

William Dawes reached Lexington around the same time as Revere, having taken a southerly route to warn other communities. Together, the two midnight messengers continued west toward Concord. Along the road, they were joined by Samuel Prescott, who Revere recognized as a young doctor connected to the Patriot cause. Revere accepted Prescott’s offer of assistance, knowing he would be recognized and trusted by his neighbors.

A few miles outside Lexington, a British patrol surprised the three men. Dawes eluded capture but lost his horse. Prescott used his local knowledge to gallop cross-country and continue on to Concord with word of the British advance. Revere was captured and threatened at pistol point, but ultimately was allowed to go free. He walked back to Lexington and found in the dawn’s light the aftermath of conflict — scattered shots on what is now known as the Battle Green.