The Boston Massacre
On March 5, 1770, in the street before you, nine British soldiers were confronted by an angry mob.
"The soldiers did fire without orders and killed five of his Majesty's good subjects...How fatal are the effects of posting a standing army among a free people!"
Samuel Adams' description of the Boston massacre and Paul Revere's engraving of the scene fueled public outrage, and helped arouse revolutionary fervor of colonists all over America.
Diagram showing where bodies fell, after a sketch by Paul Revere made at the time. (The Old State House is at the bottom.)
Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Colonial Era • Notable Events. A significant historical month for this entry is March 1712.
Location. 42° 21.528′ N, 71° 3.424′ W. Marker is in Boston, Massachusetts, in Suffolk County. It is in the Financial District. Marker is at the intersection of Devonshire Street and State Street on Devonshire Street. Marker is near the Old State House. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Boston MA 02109, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. Site of the First Meeting House in Boston Built A.D. 1632 (a few steps from this marker); The Old State House (a few steps from this marker); a different marker also named The Old State House (a few steps from this marker); The Freedom Trail
Also see . . . Boston Massacre. “Amid ongoing tense relations between the population and the soldiers, a mob formed around a British sentry, who was subjected to verbal abuse and harassment. He was eventually supported by eight additional soldiers, who were subjected to verbal threats and repeatedly hit by clubs, stones and snowballs. They fired into the crowd, without orders, instantly killing three people and wounding others. Two more people died later of wounds sustained in the incident.” (Submitted on March 4, 2017.)
Credits. This page was last revised on January 30, 2023. It was originally submitted on August 28, 2014, by Bill Pfingsten of Bel Air, Maryland. This page has been viewed 1,537 times since then and 88 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on August 28, 2014, by Bill Pfingsten of Bel Air, Maryland. 4. submitted on May 23, 2009, by Bill Coughlin of Woodland Park, New Jersey.