Build in 1680, the Paul Revere House is the oldest structure in downtown Boston and was the colonial abode of American patriot Paul Revere during the height of the American Revolution. Currently, if functions as a non-profit museum and is managed by the Paul Revere Memorial Association.

The first three-story house was constructed where the Second Church of Boston?s parsonage was originally found. Unfortunately, the church was reduced to ashes during the Great Fire of 1676. The original owner of the house was rich businessman Robert Howard. Back then, Howard was residing in L-shaped townhome which boasts of big rooms and an exterior embellished with a second-floor outcropping and casement windows.

As with any other ancient Massachusetts Bay timber structure, the main component of the three-level Paul Revere House is made up of four coves bordered by massive framing wooden markers and overhead timber. The main room found in the primary level of the house is mainly composed of a chimney bay and an adjacent lobby entry way. While some newer Boston abodes feature separate kitchens, the Paul Revere House remained faithful to tradition and the kitchen is incorporated with the rest of the house. The casement windows were put at the back area of the house rather than the usual placement in a gable due to its closeness to its neighbors.

The Paul Revere House underwent two important renovations sometime during the mid-18th century. The roof of the house was significantly set higher to follow the Georgian architectural design that became prolific during that era. However, the original height of the roof was reset to its original state sans the gable in 1908. The second renovation was a two-level shed sandwiched by the two 17th-century segments of the abode which was also removed during the latter restoration in 1908.

Paul Revere had the possession of this dwelling from 1770-1800 although he and his family did not reside that entire period. Rumor has it that when the Revere family was still occupying the place, the house was augmented with a rear chimney including a new kitchen which welcomes the visitor when they visit the house.

Paul Revere sold the house in 1800 and was converted into a tenement, and later to a cigar factory, a candy shop and a grocery. It was about to be demolished but Revere?s grandson John Reynolds Jr. purchased the abode in 1902. It was restored to its original status from 1907 to 1908 by the Paul Revere Memorial Association by tapping into the expertise of architect Joseph Chandler. It eventually became one of the first house museums in the United States and has been officially recognized as a U.S. National Historic Landmark.