🏛️ Boston Notes – Old North Church 🇺🇸✨

Built in 1723 in the Georgian style, the Old North Church is one of Boston’s most iconic landmarks. When the tour guide told me it was the city’s oldest standing church, I mentioned that the First Church might be older. She explained that while the First Church was indeed established earlier, the current building is a reconstruction after a fire – making the Old North Church the oldest still in its original form! 🔥🧱 Inside, the church features 65 private box pews 🪑, each labeled with the names of the families who purchased them centuries ago. Adjusted for inflation, each pew would cost around $30,000 today 💰! The church’s most famous story revolves around Paul Revere 🐎💨. On April 18, 1775, two lanterns were hung in the steeple to signal that British troops were advancing “by sea” (two if by sea, one if by land 🌊☀️) – a event that sparked Revere’s legendary midnight ride. Though poet Longfellow later embellished some details for dramatic effect, the tale forever immortalized both Revere and the church 📜🎭. In 1975, President Gerald Ford added a third lantern 🏮 in the Newman window to commemorate the nation’s bicentennial, declaring: “Let the lanterns burn brightly overhead as a signal to the nation to move forward with confidence and hope into its third century.” Near the exit, you’ll find a bust of George Washington 🗿 – which the Marquis de Lafayette called the best likeness of him. Though Washington never visited, Queen Elizabeth II did 👑💂♀️! The church’s peaceful garden also features a memorial honoring this rich history 🌸⛪. #History #Travel #Boston #FreedomTrail #OldNorthChurch