Paul Revere was a Boston silversmith and patriot messenger.
On the night of April 18, 1775, he rode to warn colonial leaders that British troops were approaching Lexington and Concord.
Revere was also an engraver whose famous print of the Boston Massacre helped stir colonial anger.
Visit the Paul Revere House, the oldest house in downtown Boston.
John Hancock was a wealthy Boston merchant who served as president of the Second Continental Congress.
Thomas Paine wrote Common Sense in January 1776, a pamphlet that argued plainly for independence from Britain.
John Adams was a Massachusetts lawyer who argued forcefully for independence in the Continental Congress.
Abigail Adams ran the family farm and household while her husband John served the Revolution.