Paul Revere died on May 10, 1818, in Boston, Massachusetts, at the age of 83. His passing marked the end of an era for a Revolutionary War patriot who had become a symbol of civic courage and artisan skill.
Beyond the famous midnight ride, Revere was a successful silversmith, copper industrialist, and community leader. Understanding how Paul Revere died, where he was laid to rest, and how his legacy endured offers insight into early American life and memory.
| Category | Detail | Significance |
|---|---|---|
| Full Name | Paul Revere | American silversmith, engraver, and militia officer |
| Date of Death | May 10, 1818 | Died at home in Boston |
| Age at Death | 83 years old | Lived through colonial, revolutionary, and federal periods |
| Location of Death | Boston, Massachusetts | Major port and revolutionary hub |
| Burial Site | Copp's Hill Burying Ground | Historic cemetery in North End, Boston |
Life And Occupations Before Death
Artisan And Entrepreneur
Revere built a thriving silversmith business in Boston, engraving high-quality commissions and adapting to changing tastes and economic conditions. He expanded into dentistry, hardware, and eventually copper rolling, supplying Navy ships with sheathing.
Community And Military Roles
As a respected member of local militia units and civic organizations, he combined artisan work with public service. His community ties and communication skills made him a natural choice for intelligence and rider duties on the night of April 18, 1775.
Circumstances Of Paul Revere Death
Health In Later Years
In the years before Paul Revere died, he faced chronic illnesses and the physical toll of decades in trade and wartime riding. His robust earlier years gave way to ailments common for men of his age in the early nineteenth century.
Final Days And Passing
Paul Revere died at his Boston home surrounded by family in May 1818. Local records indicate a quiet passing, consistent with his standing as a private and devout man who had seen war, business cycles, and national transformation.
Burial And Memorial Legacy
Copp's Hill Burying Ground
Revere was laid to rest in Copp's Hill Burying Ground in Boston's North End, near the Old North Church where lanterns were famously displayed. The site connects his artisan life with his revolutionary service.
Monuments And Cultural Memory
Over time, Revere's grave and memorials have been maintained as historic landmarks. Engraved tablets, biographies, and public commemorations have reinforced his image as both craftsman and patriot.
Historical Context And Impact Of Death
By the time Paul Revere died, the United States had already entered an era of transportation innovation and partisan politics. The passing of veteran revolutionaries like Revere offered a poignant reminder of the generation that founded the republic.
His death prompted reflections on industrial entrepreneurship and civic virtue, themes central to early national identity. Revere's legacy endured through family enterprises, commemorative art, and public history preserved in Boston.
Key Takeaways
- Paul Revere died on May 10, 1818, in Boston at age 83.
- He was buried at Copp's Hill Burying Ground in Boston's North End.
- His life combined artisan craftsmanship with military and civic service.
- His death marked the close of a revolutionary generation while his legacy endured through industry and commemoration.
- Understanding his occupations, final days, and memorialization enriches appreciation of early American history.
FAQ
Reader questions
Where did Paul Revere die and where was he buried?
Paul Revere died at his home in Boston, Massachusetts, and was buried in Copp's Hill Burying Ground in the city's North End.
How old was Paul Revere when he died?
He was 83 years old at the time of his death in May 1818.
What were the main occupations of Paul Revere during his lifetime?
Revere worked as a silversmith, engraver, dentist, hardware merchant, and coppersmith, and served as a militia officer and civic leader.
Why is Paul Revere still well known more than two centuries after his death?
His combination of artisan skill, revolutionary ride, and community leadership, along with effective commemoration, keeps his story prominent in American memory.