Some more about Old North Church

A few more things about Boston's Old North Church... The church's steeple was the tallest point in Boston. On the night of April 18, 1775, Robert Newman carried two lanterns up to the top of the steeple, to warn of the advance of British soldiers. This was actually the beginning of the American Revolution. Unfortunately, soldiers saw the signal, too, and came to the church to arrest Newman. He escaped through a window at the back of the church. The next day, he was arrested anyway, because it was known that he was one of only two people that had a key to the church, and he was out past curfew!

The other cool story about this church made everyone laugh... In 1757, a man named John Chiles tried to prove that he could fly, and he did it from the top of the Church's steeple.  To everyone's amazement, he landed safely at the top of Cop's Hill, about 200 yards away. He tried a second time, and was successful again. (Not sure what his method was- possibly hang gliding?)

The  third time, he charged for the event, and the streets were lined with people to watch his feat. This time, as he landed, the police were waiting at the top of the hill to arrest him.  Chiles did not know that a new law in Boston made it illegal to fly off the Old North Church steeple.

The law is still in effect today. It is still legal, however, to fly off any other steeple in Boston!