boston massacre

The Boston Massacre took place on March 5, 1770, when tensions between Boston colonists and British soldiers erupted into violence. After an angry crowd surrounded a group of soldiers near the Old State House, the soldiers opened fire, killing five colonists. Patriots, including Samuel Adams and Paul Revere, used the incident to rally opposition to British rule, helping turn public opinion toward revolution. Today, a circular marker in the pavement near the Old State House marks the site of this pivotal moment on the road to American independence.