The Paul Revere House stands at 19 North Square in Boston's North End, Massachusetts. Built around 1680 on the site of the former parsonage of Increase Mather, it is the oldest surviving building in downtown Boston and one of the few remaining examples of late 17th-century urban architecture in the country. Paul Revere, the silversmith, engraver and patriot, bought it in 1770 and lived here until 1800 with his large family. On the night of 18 April 1775 he left the house to begin his ride to Lexington and Concord, as immortalized in Longfellow's 1860 poem. By the 19th century the building had been altered into a tenement with shops, and it later faced demolition. Revere's great-grandson purchased it in 1902, and the Paul Revere Memorial Association restored it to its colonial appearance in 1907-08, using surviving evidence of the original framing and an overhanging second story. The house is a timber-framed structure with small diamond-paned casement windows, a steep roof and a central chimney. Visitors tour two floors of period rooms furnished with early American pieces, with a few items original to the Revere family, including a pair of pewter or silver household objects and a Revere-made silver piece in the collection. The adjacent Pierce-Hichborn House, built about 1711, offers a contrasting Georgian brick residence, and a courtyard has a visitor center and exhibits that include a Revere-cast bell and tools. The interpretation is thematic and house-museum style, with Revere's craft, family life and role in the Revolution as its main subjects. The Association maintains the property and has carried out periodic repairs. A visit takes about 30 to 45 minutes, and the house is a main stop on the Freedom Trail.
| Admission | About $6-7 (about $6-7 USD) |
|---|---|
| Hours | Daily 10am-5pm |
| Address | 19 North Sq, Boston, MA 02113 |
Why it matters
Built around 1680, the Paul Revere House is the oldest surviving building in downtown Boston and the home of the silversmith who rode on 18 April 1775 to warn of British troop movements. It is one of the few 17th-century timber-framed houses in the city.
Location
19 North Sq, Boston, MA 02113
42.3637, -71.0537 View on map
Highlights
- Tour the c. 1680 timber-framed house, the oldest in downtown Boston
- See period rooms furnished to reflect Revere's family life
- Visit the courtyard exhibits on Revere's silversmithing and bell casting
- Compare the Pierce-Hichborn House, a neighboring 1711 brick home
Tips for visiting
- Allow 30 to 45 minutes and arrive early on summer weekends, when lines form.
- Interior photography may be restricted, so check at the desk.
- Walk to Old North Church afterward, a few minutes up Hanover Street.
- Stairs between floors are steep and narrow.
When to visit
Weekday mornings are quietest. Spring and autumn offer pleasant walking weather in the North End.
Accessibility
The first floor and visitor center are accessible, but the upper floor is reached by narrow, steep stairs, limiting access in the historic house.
Frequently asked questions
How long does a visit take?
About 30 to 45 minutes for the house and courtyard.
Is the house suitable for children?
Yes. Short tours and period details engage children, though narrow stairs need care.
Did Revere ride from this house?
He left from North Boston on the night of 18 April 1775, and he lived in this house at the time.