APRIL 18th - That is American History




On this day in 1775, Paul Revere and William Dawes rode out on horseback to warn Samuel Adams, John Hancock, and the Minutemen that British troops were marching against them. Adams and Hancock were hiding out in Lexington, and Revere did make there before Dawes (barely). But it seems unfair that History basically excludes ole Willy D altogether. Especially since neither of them actually made it to Concord where the weapons were stashed--that was accomplished by young Samuel Prescott. Tis true ours is a culture obsessed with winning. Ask Charlie Sheen. Or Donald Trump. So perhaps it makes sense that Revere is revered and Dawes and Prescott are forgotten. Although, I have a suspicion that this particular development was probably due to one Thomas Jefferson. Took a lot to impress that TJ dude, and coming in second or joining the race late wasn’t a way to do it. TJ probably heard the tale, and was all, “Appreciate the heads up, but maybe next time ride the whole time and don’t get caught, asshats.” Doubtful he said asshats. But I’m sure the 18th century had slang-equivalent. TJ would have been all ‘bout that. He wouldn’t have been impressed with any of the riders, but I’m sure he begrudgingly gave Revere some private props, leaving poor Dawes and Prescott mere footnotes in history. Of course nothing can change the fact that Dawes and Prescott were probably just as important as Revere in rousing the troops for the oncoming British, but if these little missives have taught you anything, they have taught you that impressing Thomas Jefferson was what really mattered. And TJ loved winners (certainly in a different way than Charlie Sheen and Donald Trump). So that’s why you know who Paul Revere is, and Dawes and Prescott are lonely historical castoffs. And that, my friends, is American History.

This Day has been Marked.

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