On the night of April 18, 1775, riders spread word that British troops were marching toward Concord. These warnings allowed colonial militias to prepare for what would become the first battles of the Revolutionary War.
• April 18, 1775 — Signal from the Old North Church
A lantern signal (“one if by land, two if by sea”) is displayed to indicate British troop movement
• Riders depart from Boston
Paul Revere and other messengers begin carrying warnings into surrounding towns
• Warning spreads through the countryside
Riders alert militias that British troops are on the move
• Popular tradition of the warning
The phrase “The British are coming” became part of later retellings of the event
• Militias prepare overnight
Colonial forces organize in response to the alerts
The Midnight Ride helped ensure that colonial militias were prepared when British troops arrived. It showed the effectiveness of communication and coordination among the colonies.
Preparation and communication can shape the outcome of important moments.