06/08/2026
Lanterns were once a familiar part of daily life in America.
They were practical, illuminating roads, windows, doorways, and meeting halls.
Throughout our history they began to symbolize something larger-guidance, vigilance, hospitality, and civic life.
There is a famous story of signal lanterns in Boston during the Revolutionary War with residents warned of the British approach by the use of lanterns with the famous phrase, “one if by land, two if by sea.”
A lantern hung outside a house or inn indicated that all visitors or travellers were welcome. Town meetings were often held in a building lit by lanterns. A town crier held a lantern as he related the news of the day. Outdoor evening celebrations were often illuminated by lantern light.
With the advent of electric lighting, a lantern became more symbolic than practical.
Historic districts, commemorations, and community events continue to use lanterns to evoke continuity with the nation’s past.
A lantern today signifies remembrance and shared civic heritage, and the idea that one generation “ carries the light” forward to the next.
Colonial lanterns can be found on Amazon, the ShopColonialWilliamsburg, and other online sites.
