Old North Church, Boston

The Old North Church, officially known as Christ Church in the City of Boston, is an enduring emblem of American history, nestled in the heart of Boston's North End. Built in 1723, this historic church is Boston's oldest surviving church building and a pivotal site in the American Revolution. Its simple yet elegant Georgian architecture has stood the test of time, beckoning visitors who are eager to step back into the nation's past.

This church is famously known for its role in the events leading up to the Revolutionary War, particularly on the night of April 18, 1775. It was here that two lanterns were hung in the steeple as a signal from Paul Revere to the Patriots across the Charles River in Charlestown, indicating that the British were advancing by sea and not by land. This event, immortalized in Henry Wadsworth Longfellow's poem, "Paul Revere's Ride," marked the beginning of the battles of Lexington and Concord.

The Old North Church's 191-foot-tall steeple is not just an architectural feature but a symbol of freedom. Inside, visitors can admire the church's beautiful box pews, historic artifacts, and the bust of George Washington, which the Marquis de Lafayette reportedly said was the best likeness of him he had ever seen.

The church is more than a historical monument; it remains an active Episcopal congregation that continues to hold services every Sunday. Tourists are welcome to explore the church and its crypt, which contains over 1,100 bodies, a testament to the generations that have passed through its doors.