April 18, 1775/ Friday, April 18, 2025; 7:30 pm at the Start Westward Monument, Marietta OH (Muskingum Park)

'“Commemoration of the 250th Anniversary of the Midnight Ride of William Dawes, Paul Revere, & Dr. Samuel Prescott, ''Plans include three riders on horseback"

"The regulars ("British” army) are coming out!” This was the shouted message during the "Midnight Ride" to the minutemen in various towns that would initiate events leading to the start of the American Revolution. Unfortunately, this ride has traditionally focused only on one rider, American patriot Paul Revere, because of Longfellow's famous poem.

Join us at Muskingum Park as local historian Scott Britton from The Castle Museum relates a more complete story of the three principal riders that sounded the alarm that night. Mr. Britton will pay particular attention to Marietta’s connection to the initial rider, William Dawes, and Dawes' role in an earlier event that led the British army to march to Concord.

The public is invited to join us for this commemoration, but it is also requested that everyone place two lights in the windows of your homes or businesses that night to represent the two lights hung in the Old North Church in Boston to alert the patriots of the planned travel route of the British forces.

Plans include three riders on horseback!

The programs are free and open to the public. *Sponsored by the Marietta Chapters; Sons of the American Revolution & Daughters of the American Revolution; with support from Washington County Veterans Service Office; Washington County Public Library; Marietta Chapter 743, Military Order of the Purple Heart; Ronnie W. Davis Memorial Post 5108; Beverly Fraternal Order of Eagles Aerie 3665;  and Settlers Bank. For more info, contact Jean Yost, Secretary, jean.yost@gmail.com or 740-336-8060.