Revolutionary · Massachusetts
Old North Church
Old North Church, Boston's oldest surviving church building. — Beyond My Ken
Why Old North Church Matters
Old North Church is where the American Revolution received its most famous signal. On the night of April 18, 1775, two lanterns were hung briefly in the steeple of this brick church — 'one if by land, two if by sea' — warning that British troops were moving on Lexington and Concord by water and launching Paul Revere's midnight ride. Built in 1723, it is the oldest surviving church building in Boston and remains an active Episcopal congregation and a landmark of the city's Freedom Trail.
By the Numbers
The Church
- Formal name
- Christ Church in the City of Boston
- Built
- 1723
- Denomination
- Episcopal (Anglican)
- Steeple
- 191 ft — tallest in colonial Boston
The Signal
- The lanterns
- Two hung in the steeple, April 18, 1775
- Hung by
- Robert Newman & John Pulling Jr.
Today
- Part of
- Boston National Historical Park & the Freedom Trail
Timeline
- 1723Christ Church (Old North) is built in Boston's North End.
- 1744Eight change-ringing bells are cast in England and hung in the tower.
- 1775Two lanterns are hung in the steeple on April 18, signaling Revere's ride.
- 1804A storm topples the steeple, which is rebuilt to the original design.
- 1954Hurricane Carol destroys the steeple again; it is rebuilt once more.
- 1974Included in the newly created Boston National Historical Park.
Complete History
Christ Church in the City of Boston — long known as Old North Church — was built in 1723 in the city's North End, its design inspired by the London churches of Sir Christopher Wren. Its brick tower and steeple rose to become the tallest structure in colonial Boston, a landmark visible for miles across the harbor. A set of eight bells cast in England in 1744 hangs in the tower; a young Paul Revere was among the boys who rang them.
On the night of April 18, 1775, the church's steeple played its part in history. With British troops preparing to march on Lexington and Concord, Paul Revere arranged for a signal: sexton Robert Newman and vestryman Captain John Pulling Jr. climbed the tower and briefly held up two lanterns, warning patriots across the river that the Regulars were crossing by water. The signal, later immortalized as 'one if by land, two if by sea,' set Revere's midnight ride in motion.
The steeple that sent the signal was toppled by a storm in 1804 and again by Hurricane Carol in 1954, and each time it was rebuilt to the original design. Through it all the congregation has worshipped continuously since 1723, making Old North the oldest church building still standing in Boston. Today it is both an active Episcopal parish and a stop on the Freedom Trail, drawing hundreds of thousands of visitors a year.
Historic Images
Interesting Facts
- Old North Church, formally Christ Church, was built in 1723 and is the oldest surviving church building in Boston.
- The two lanterns hung in its steeple on April 18, 1775, signaled that British troops were crossing the Charles River, launching Paul Revere's midnight ride.
- The phrase 'one if by land, two if by sea' comes from Henry Wadsworth Longfellow's 1860 poem 'Paul Revere's Ride,' which made the church famous.
- Its eight bells, cast in England in 1744, are among the oldest church bells in North America, and Paul Revere rang them as a boy.
- The steeple has twice been rebuilt after storms toppled it, in 1804 and after Hurricane Carol in 1954.
Visiting Today
- Hours
- Old North Church is open to visitors most days, with hours that vary by season; it also holds regular Episcopal services. Check the Old North website for current times.
- Admission
- A small admission or suggested donation supports the historic site, and behind-the-scenes tours of the bell tower and crypt cost extra. Sunday worship is free and open to all.
- Best time to visit
- Weekday mornings are quietest; the North End is especially lively in summer and during Italian-American feast days.
- Nearby
- The Paul Revere House, Copp's Hill Burying Ground, Faneuil Hall, and the restaurants of Boston's North End.
The church sits along the Freedom Trail in the North End, an easy walk from Faneuil Hall and the Paul Revere House. Consider a guided tower or crypt tour to see parts of the church most visitors miss.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is Old North Church famous?
It is where two lanterns were hung on April 18, 1775, to signal that British troops were advancing by water toward Lexington and Concord — the 'one if by land, two if by sea' warning that launched Paul Revere's midnight ride.
What does 'one if by land, two if by sea' mean?
It was a prearranged signal: one lantern if the British left Boston by land, two if they crossed the Charles River by water. Two lanterns were hung in Old North's steeple, indicating the water route.
Is Old North Church still a church?
Yes. It remains an active Episcopal congregation, worshipping in the same building continuously since 1723, while also welcoming visitors as a Freedom Trail landmark.
Can you visit Old North Church?
Yes. The church is open to visitors in Boston's North End as part of the Freedom Trail, with tours of the sanctuary, the bell tower, and the crypt available.
