Last updated: January 24, 2025
Place
Boston Massacre Site
Arlan Fronseca
Quick Facts
Location:
Congress and State Streets
Significance:
Site of first bloodshed in the American Revolution
Designation:
Freedom Trail Site
MANAGED BY:
Beneath the Old State House balcony, a circle of granite pavers mark the site of the Boston Massacre. On March 5, 1770, an unruly group of colonists taunted British soldiers by throwing snowballs and rocks. Firing upon the crowd, the British killed five colonists, including Crispus Attucks. Boston lawyer and future US President John Adams successfully defended the soldiers in court against murder charges.