In One April in Boston, we follow Paul Revere on his midnight ride to Lexington on the evening of April 18, 1775. For many people, Paul Revere's life is defined by this one dramatic moment. Actually, Revere lived a remarkable life as a silversmith, engraver, and one of America's first industrialists. As a master silversmith, his work was highly praised during his lifetime, and his silver items are of great value today. As a copper plate engraver, he created the well-known engraving of the Boston Massacre, as well as engravings for newspapers and colonial currency.

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After the Revolution, Revere opened a small hardware store that he operated until 1789. By 1788, he had opened a foundry and produced bolts, spikes, nails, and cannons for ships. After 1792, he began to cast bells at his foundry in the North End of Boston, and was assisted by his sons Paul Revere Jr. and Joseph Warren Revere. In 1801, at the age of 65, Paul Revere opened the first copper rolling mill in North America. At his mill in Canton, Massachusetts, he produced sheet copper for the hull of the U.S.S. Constitution and the dome of the new Massachusetts State House on Beacon Hill in 1803.

Paul Revere had 16 children with his wives Sarah Orne (1736-1773) and Rachel Walker (1745-1813). He retired at the age of 76 in 1811. Revere passed his copper business, and the good reputation it had earned, on to his sons and grandsons. He spent his final years surrounded by his grandchildren and great-grandchildren. These young boys and girls surely asked Paul Revere about the events of April 18, 1775, but they also knew of his many other accomplishments. Revere died on May 10, 1818 at the age of 83.

Paul Revere was not born to wealth or inheritance. He was an ordinary man who lived an extraordinary life. Revere was a patriot, a businessman, an involved citizen, and a popular and well-respected member of his community. Today, the staff at the Paul Revere House is dedicated to preserving Paul Revere's memory and his place in American history for future generations. Because of their work, the intrigue of Paul Revere's Boston is alive and well at the patriot's former home at 19 North Square. It is a site you won't want to miss on your next trip to Boston!

For the past four years, I have had the pleasure of working with the Paul Revere House on their website, and since 1999 I've been a member of their Board of Directors. To learn more about Paul Revere, please visit the extensive Paul Revere House website at www.paulreverehouse.org.