Battles of Lexington & Concord

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AMERICAN REVOLUTION BICENTENNIAL 1975 Series PIRIt **** 76 Co APR 19 1975 02173 FIRST DAY OF ISSUE Commemorating BATTLES OF LEXINGTON & CONCORD RIDE OF PAUL REVERE Iteetwood philadelphio PHILADELPHIA'76 Official First Day Cover ON. MA

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THE RIDE OF PAUL REVERE Paul Revere (1735-1818), colonial craftsman of many talents, was deeply involved in the struggle for political independence from Great Britain. Late on the night of April 18, 1775, he was dispatched from Boston to Lexington and Concord to warn the countryside of the imminent approach of British Redcoats. Revolutionaries Sam Adams and John Hancock, in seclusion at Lexington, were in danger of being captured. Rebel arms, stored at Concord, were also sought by the British. When it became known the British would depart Boston by crossing the Charles River, two lanterns were placed in the steeple of the Old North Church as signals to various messengers. Having already crossed the river, Revere saw the signal and borrowed a horse for his famous midnight ride, immortalized in Longfellow's epic poem.