History is for Everyone

MA, USA

Old North Church

Church

Boston's oldest surviving church (1723). On April 18, 1775, sexton Robert Newman hung two lanterns in its steeple—the signal that British troops were leaving Boston by water.

What Happened Here

"One if by land, two if by sea." The signal alerted riders in Charlestown that the British were crossing the Charles River, initiating the alarm system that brought thousands of militiamen to the roads.

Visiting Today

Address

193 Salem Street, Boston, MA 02113

Hours

Daily 9am-5pm (extended summer hours)

Admission

$8 adults; donations accepted

Accessibility

Ground floor accessible.

Connected Events

May 1764
Faneuil Hall Town Meetings

Samuel Adams, John Adams

Aug 1765
Stamp Act Riots

Samuel Adams, Thomas Hutchinson

Mar 1770
Boston Massacre

Crispus Attucks, Captain Thomas Preston, John Adams, Samuel Adams

Dec 1773
Old South Meeting House Assembly

Samuel Adams, John Adams, Thomas Hutchinson

Dec 1773
Boston Tea Party

Samuel Adams, George Robert Twelves Hewes

Jun 1775
Battle of Bunker Hill

Dr. Joseph Warren, General Sir William Howe