Tucked into the North End’s North Square, the Paul Revere House is the oldest surviving structure in downtown Boston, built around 1680. Silversmith and Revolutionary patriot Paul Revere owned the home from 1770 to 1800, and it was from here that he set out on his famous midnight ride in April 1775. The small clapboard dwelling survived centuries of change before being saved from demolition and opened as one of the nation’s earliest historic-house museums in 1908.
Today the house and its courtyard offer an intimate look at colonial domestic life, with period rooms and exhibits exploring Revere’s family, trade, and times. The adjacent Pierce/Hichborn House and a visitor center round out the site, which sits directly on Boston’s Freedom Trail. It makes a natural stop while wandering the North End’s narrow streets, historic churches, and Italian cafes.
Good to know
- A ticketed museum; check the official site for current admission and hours before visiting
- Located directly on the Freedom Trail in North Square
- The oldest surviving structure in downtown Boston, dating to around 1680
- Note the address is North Square, not North Street, to avoid mapping confusion
Getting there
- Address: 19 North Square, Boston, MA 02113
- Neighborhood: North End
- Nearest T: Haymarket (Orange and Green Lines) or Aquarium (Blue Line); both roughly a 5-7 minute walk