Old North Church

FREE admission to Old North Church with a Go Boston Card

Description

If it weren't for the aromas of sweet Italian sausage and oregano wafting through the North End, you could easily imagine standing in front of this church in 1775, when it earned its rightful place in America's history. On the night of April 18, 1775, the sexton Robert Newman climbed the steeple and briefly hung the two lanterns. This small act help touch off the War for Independence.

The lanterns, arranged for by Paul Revere, signaled the movement of British Regulars up the Charles River to Cambridge to begin a march to Lexington and seize a cache of Colonial military stores. As the signal was given, Revere was being rowed with muffled oars to the Charlestown shore; his subsequent dash on horseback, immortalized by Henry Wadsworth Longfellow's poem, 'Paul Revere's Ride,' brought out the militia. 'The shot heard round the world' was fired on Lexington Green the following day.

Old North Church, built in 1723, is the oldest church building in Boston and has a thriving Episcopal congregation. The church also houses the oldest church bells in North America.

Interestingly, in 1775, on the eve of Revolution, the majority of the Old North Church congregation were loyal to the British King and many held official positions in the royal government (including the Royal Governor of Massachusetts!). The King even gave the Old North Church the silver that was used at services and a bible. The strong links between the Church and the King make Robert Newman's loyalty to the Patriot cause even more extraordinary. But as you will see, its location made it perfect location from which to signal the waiting Paul Revere.

On your next visit to Boston, be sure not to miss the site of "One if by Land, Two if By Sea." Old North Church is one of many Boston historical sights where your Go Boston Card provides free admission.

Hours:

July-October: Daily, 9:00 am-6:00 pm;
November-June: Daily, 9:00 am-5:00 pm

Closed

Sunday mornings for church services, although the public is welcome to attend. Please call or check web site to confirm hours. May be closed major U.S. holidays.

Public Transportation:

Take the T: Orange or Green Lines to Haymarket stop.

Please read: important instructions on how to use your card.

Redemption Instructions:

Admission is free to all but donations are encouraged. Go Boston Card makes an annual donation on behalf of all Go Boston Card customers.

The Go City Card is accepted until 5:30pm unless otherwise noted; during all other times standard admission will apply.