Commemorate the 250th anniversary of Paul Revere's ride by shining two lights on Friday
COLUMBIA, S.C. (WCBD) – Friday marks 250 years since Paul Revere's infamous midnight ride to warn colonial leaders of the impending arrival of British troops.
The April 18, 1775 ride, which came on the eve of the first battles of the Revolutionary War, was immortalized in a Henry Wadsworth Longfellow poem with the line '1 if by land, 2 if by sea.'
'The famous signal from [Boston's Old] North Church's steeple that night in '75…meant to shine across the water to others on the opposite shore so that they could carry the message forward not just as a back-up for Paul Revere, but to make sure that the message got spread as far and as wide as possible,' according to the South Carolina American Revolution Sestercentennial Commission (SC250).
Revere's ride is set to be commemorated Friday with a nationwide initiative that encourages communities to shine two lights into the night as a reminder of the historic turning point in U.S. history.
Filmmaker Ken Burns' new documentary 'The American Revolution' comes out this year. Here's when you catch a preview in Charleston
Buildings across the Palmetto State, from government offices to historic landmarks to private homes, are invited to participate in the celebration.
'This is an opportunity for all South Carolinians to come together in reflection and observance of the events that led to America's independence from Britain,' said Molly Fortune, CEO of SC250. 'By shining two lights, we honor the bravery and enduring spirit of those who fought for liberty 250 years ago.'
SC250 was established by the General Assembly to commemorate the Palmetto State's role in the American Revolution. Hundreds of battles between American and British forces occured on South Carolina soil throughout the war.
The nationwide initiative was coordinated by America250 in preparation for the country's 250th birthday on July 4, 2026.
Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
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