✗ The myth everyone repeats
Paul Revere made a solo midnight ride shouting 'The British are coming!' to warn of the British invasion.
✓ What is actually true
Paul Revere was one of several riders who set out that night. He was actually captured before completing his ride. Historians note he likely said 'The Redcoats are coming' rather than 'The British,' since he and other colonists were also British subjects. The famous version was immortalized in Longfellow's 1861 poem, which took significant liberties.
Reception
The receipts 4 sources
- Wikipedia: Paul RevereREFERENCE
- History.com: Paul Revere's Midnight RidePRIMARY
- Paul Revere House: Historical ResearchPRIMARY
- Smithsonian Magazine: Paul Revere MythREFERENCE