A heritage all our own.
Massachusetts is rich in history and Revere certainly has its share. Our visible historic ties date back to the early colonial era when our city was just a sleepy farming village known as Rumney Marsh. The historic thread leads to our very unique contribution to the American Revolution, then through the start of the industrial era, and on to our special connection to the 19th century's emerging American literary movement.
Ye Old Rumney Marsh Burial Ground
This First Period cemetery served as final resting place for settlers of what was then the village of Rumney Marsh, settled in 1630 and named after the town in England. The first recorded internment was in 1693, the last in 1929. Here lie buried numerous veterans of both the Revolutionary and Civil Wars.
Battle of Chelsea Creek
The first naval battle of the Revolutionary War took place on May 27, 1775 in Chelsea Creek, which separated Revere and its neighboring city of Chelsea. Provincial volunteers from Rumney Marsh (Revere), Winnisemmit (Chelsea) and Pullen Point (Winthrop) joined troops under Colonel John Stark, who had been sent by the Massachusetts Committee on Public Safety to prevent the Redcoats from seizing livestock, hay and other supplies. The provincials attacked the British marines, guerrilla-style, from the banks of Chelsea Creek. Ultimately, under heavy fire, the British schooner HMS Diana was run aground, abandoned, and promptly stripped and burnt to the water line by the colonists. Local historians believe the remains of the Diana, imbedded in the mud flats along Chelsea Creek, are still visible at low tide-a tangible link to the first naval battle of the Revolution.
Slade's Mill
Close by the site of the Battle of Chelsea Creek sits historic Slade's Mill. The nation's oldest tidal mill was first established here over 275 years ago. Though the original building was destroyed by fire, the current 1885 structure continued the traditional techniques first used here in the early 1700's for grinding flour, snuff and spices for domestic use and for export.
Horatio Alger Homestead
One of Revere's most famous sons was the prodigious 19th century author Horatio Alger, who was born here and spent a good part of his life in the community. He wrote dozens upon dozens of enormously popular "rags to riches" novels with titles like "Strive and Succeed". Alger's books helped popularize the concept of dime novels, the precursor of today's paperbooks; his story lines were held up to successive generations of young boys as prime examples of the value of hard work.
Fenno's Tavern
Built in 1835, the tavern served as the halfway point between Lynn and Boston on the old "Salem Turnpike". Coach travelers and their horses would stop for rest and "sustenance" before continuing on to the Winnisemmit Ferry and the final leg of the journey to Boston. Today's weary traveler can still find sustenance at Reardon's Restaurant and Pub which now occupies the building.