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Survey of
Historic Sites and Buildings

	PAUL REVERE HOUSE (part of Boston National Historical Park) Massachusetts
Boston National Historical Park The Paul Revere House

Location: 19 North Square, Boston.

Ownership and Administration (1961). Paul Revere Memorial Association, 19 North Square, Boston.

Significance. Although it has been restored extensively, the Paul Revere House retains its original framework and, in addition to its significance as the home of a leading Revolutionary patriot, is important as downtown Boston's only surviving 17th-century dwelling. It was occupied by Paul Revere for about 5 years before the outbreak of the Revolution and was his home until 1800. The original portion of the house was built, probably by John Jeffs, soon after the Boston fire of 1676, on the site of the Increase Mather Parsonage. Architectural investigation indicates that the house was originally of the simple and characteristic 17th-century hail or one-room plan with an end chimney, of 2-1/2 stories, but when Revere moved into it almost a century later it had probably been enlarged to three full stories. In the 19th century, after Revere's death, the dwelling degenerated into a tenement and store and was considerably altered. In 1908 it was studied and restored by Architect Joseph Everett Chandler, who worked to preserve it as an example of a 17th-century urban house. This architectural significance, in addition to intimate association with the patriot and craftsman, Paul Revere, make the house a treasured landmark in downtown Boston.

The Paul Revere House, built soon after the Boston fire of 1676, was the patriot's home from before the Revolution until 1800. Restoration of the house reflects its 17th-century origin. Courtesy, Boston National Historic Sites Commission. (National Park Service)

Present Appearance (1961). The Paul Revere House consists of the main portion, fronting on North Square, and an early kitchen ell at the rear. It was through the back door in the kitchen ell that Revere probably passed for his famous ride on the night of April 18, 1775. North Square was full of British soldiers, and the front door would not have been safe. The main house has a deeply recessed fireplace in the hall and a small porch and winding stair in front of the chimney. The ceiling of the large room or hall is spanned by two summer beams. The main house has the characteristic 17th-century overhang, and the pendants, windows, front door, and roof have been restored in the 17th-century fashion, but the second-floor chamber is plastered, paneled, and painted as it might have been when occupied by the Reveres. The house is well maintained and is open to the public. [29]