Paul Revere Rallies the Colonies - The Long Ride to Philly
In May 1774 Paul Revere carried news throughout the colonies which inspired the Founders to call together the First Continental Congress.
Though far from his most famous ride, Revere’s journey to Philadelphia with the Boston Port Act was in important turning-point in the road to Revolution.
Revere’s Many Rides
When we hear the name Paul Revere, our first thought is usually ‘Midnight Ride.’
Often overlooked, however, is the fact that Revere went on several rides during the prelude to the Revolutionary War.
Paul ventured out on as many as 18 such journeys, some more important than others.
His first major ride was a journey that spread news of the Boston Port Act throughout the colonies.
Boston Port Act
When, in May of 1774, word arrived in Massachusetts of the Boston Port Act, most Patriots began to panic.
The Act was to close Boston harbor to imports, threatening its thriving mercantile trade and leaving its residents at the mercy of the Royal Governor.
The Sons of Liberty sent Paul Revere out with a copy of the Act as well as a circular letter recommending the other colonies join Massachusetts in protest.
These ride would have far reaching effects throughout North America.
To Philly
Over the next several days Revere rode to Rhode Island, Connecticut, New York, New Jersey and Pennsylvania.
Along the way, he showed local Committees of Correspondence the Act and circular letter.
Within a week, Rhode Island, Pennsylvania and New York had all called for a Continental Congress to meet in the fall and discuss ways to correct the problems with the British Government.
Virginia’s Reaction
From Philadelphia, other riders were sent out to the Southern Colonies.
Virginia received word from these riders (and, about the same time, by ship) and also act.
The House of Burgesses voted to support Boston, a decision which led the Royal Governor to dissolve Virginia’s colonial Government.
The Start of a Revolution, And a Rider
Paul Revere’s first major ride had far reaching effects.
The closing of the Port of Boston was a significant moment in the coming Revolution, and Revere personal brought it to the attention of the New England and Mid-Atlantic Colonies.
Though it was far from his most famous ride, this journey was extremely important for the role it played in inspiring the First Continental Congress.
Here are some other Midnight Riders you might not know about:
The Midnight Ride of Jack Jouett
The Midnight Ride of Caesar Rodney
The Five Day Ride of Israel Bissell - The Lexington Alarm to Philadelphia
Paul Revere had an extremely interesting life, which actually gained in importance after the war.
‘The Revolutionary Paul Revere’ is an excellent book that recounts the entire life of this Patriot.
If you’d like a copy you can get one through the Amazon affiliate link below (you’ll support this site, but don’t worry, Amazon pays me while your price stays the same).
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