Thread by @archivesfdn

Hello and welcome to #ForTheRecord, where we correct history's greatest myths and misconceptions. On today's docket:

"𝕿𝖍𝖊 𝕭𝖗𝖎𝖙𝖎𝖘𝖍 𝖆𝖗𝖊 𝖈𝖔𝖒𝖎𝖓𝖌!"

Yes, it's true that #OnThisDay in 1775, Paul Revere made his famous ride (at midnight!) from Charlestown to Lexington. But he did not yell about the British because...well, the colonists were British! That would've been confusing! But what WAS he yelling about? And why?

So what did Revere yell? There are many theories, but one holds up the most: "The Regulars are coming out!" Out has become a forgotten part of the sentence. The term "Regulars" was a well-known way to refer to the British regiments, distinct from the colonists' local militia.

Alternatively, Revere MAY have shouted "The King's men are coming," which would include the Royal Navy. The famous "Redcoats" was often an insult, but Revere probably wouldn't have used it. The term did not emerge until after the siege of Boston...and not all British wore red.

Now on to WHY Revere went on this ride. Through a Boston spy network, he'd been informed that British troops were on their way to raid a stash of weapons in Concord and arrest two resistance leaders hiding out in Lexington: John Hancock and Samuel Adams

Revere reached them in time for both to evacuate, but was then ambushed by Regulars. After during physical and verbal abuse while detained, Revere was released, but not without having his horse confiscated. Undefeated, he walked back to Lexington to deliver important papers.

And that my friends, is the REAL story of the midnight ride of Paul Revere. (At least part of it...there's A LOT to talk about with Revere.)