Paul Revere’s 1775 ‘Two Lights’ Ride Remembered

“Two Lights for Tomorrow’ Commemoration is planned for April 18th (Friday) in Licking County and at
Ohio’s Statehouse.
“One if by land, Two if by sea!” This was the coded message for Paul Revere’s famed “Midnight Ride” to
warn his countrymen the night of April 18, 1775. “The shot heard round the world” was fired the next day,
commencing the American Revolutionary War at Lexington and Concord.
Now, 250 years later, we will commemorate this important anniversary with’ Two Lights for Tomorrow’ – a
nationwide initiative to recognize and commence the celebration of the United States 250th birthday.
Two Lights Displays on April 18th will be seen on public buildings, including statehouses, courthouses. As
well private homes are encouraged to display two lights on the evening of April 18.
In Licking County the Commissioners have directed the display of two large lanterns on the face of the
County Administration Building in downtown Newark, while the historic 1876 Courthouse will be red, white and blue. At Dawes Arboretum, south of Newark on State Route 13, two large spotlights will be pointed skyward. And at the Ohio Statehouse in Columbus an 8:00pm on the 18th a program and lighting is planned as the beginning of the Americas 250th in Ohio.
(See further details on the attached sheet)
Paul Revere’s 1775 ‘Two Lights’ Ride Remembered
‘Two Lights for Tomorrow’ is a nationwide initiative to begin the celebration of the America’s 250th – the
Birthday of the United States of America!
The famous ride of Paul Revere occurred overnight on April 18th
-19th in 1775. The signal to ride came from
two lanterns hung in the steeple of the Old North Church. This signaled the
Regulars were coming, “One if by land and two if by sea”. And the network of
riders, signal guns and church bells effectively spread the alarm!
Revere was joined by William Dawes and Doctor Samuel Prescott. These ‘Sons of
Liberty’ rode to alert their countrymen the British Regulars were heading out into
the province of Massachusetts Bay to capture weapons, gunpowder and supplies.
As the alarm spread, Minutemen grabbed their weapons and headed for the town
greens, followed by the rest of the Militia!
The following day, April 19, 1775, the Revolution by the American Colonies
against the British Government began with the battles of Lexington and New
Concord.
At its heart it is a call across the country, in private homes, local communities, and statehouses alike, for two lights to be displayed to remind us all of the importance to come together to form a more perfect union.
In Licking County we will be hanging two lighted lanterns the night of
Friday, April 18th from the front of the Licking County Administration
Building at 20 South Second Street in downtown Newark Ohio (the
Licking County seat of government).
In addition, the historic 1876 Licking County Courthouse will be
displaying ‘red, white and blue’ both the evening of April 18
th and 19th
.
Also, in Licking County, there will be two spotlights shining to the skyward the night of April 18th at Dawes
Arboretum. The Arboretum is located south of Newark on State Route 13. This
display is in honor of William Dawes, a shopkeeper and patriot, who rode with
Revere and others that fateful night. William was the great-great grandfather of
Beaman Dawes who established the Arboretum. Beaman was the founder of the
Pure Oil Company and served two terms in Congress.

• Note the organizers of Americas 250th in Ohio will celebrate this historical ‘Two Lights’ event with a
  program on the Ohio Statehouse Plaza in downtown Columbus at 8:00pm on Friday the 18th. There will be
  speakers and a lighting event!
  How to Participate – display ‘two lights’ in your homes, at your visitor centers, your cultural, historical, and
  community sites, and in your government buildings this April (18th and 19th) to raise awareness and draw
  attention to and commemorate the beginning of our nation and the freedoms we enjoy!
  Nationally, ‘day of service’ events are planned for Saturday, April 19th
  .