Why Is Paul Revere Revered?

"The Landlord's Tale; Paul Revere's Ride" by Henry Wadsworth Longfellow (not "The Midnight Ride of Paul Revere," as most people call it) is one of the best known poems in American historical literature. But it's a poem - it isn't actual history. Paul Revere didn't make the historical ride into Concord, Massacusetts, to warn the citizens ' the British are coming!" He did, however ride into Lexington on April 17,1775, warning 'the regulars are coming!" (The British army was referred to as the "regular troops.") On April 18, Paul Revere, a cobbler named William Dawes, and a doctor named Samuel Prescott were heading toward Concord to warn citizens about British troop movements. Unfortunately, the three were spotted by a British patrol and Revere was captured and detained. Dawes headed back toward Lexington, but Prescott continued on into Concord and was able to warn the citizens. Revere was released by the British the next day and had to return to Lexington on foot - they'd kept his horse. So actually, it was a doctor named Samuel Prescott who made the immortal ride into Concord, Not Revere. I suppose Longfellow chose Revere because it's easier to rhyme than Prescott.

So now you know!