Site of the Boston Massacre

It began when a rioting crowd gathered near the Boston Custom House, confronted British Private Hugh White. After tensions escalated, Captain Thomas Preston and a small detachment arrived to assist White. The soldiers were harassed by a crowd throwing objects and taunting them to fire. Private Hugh Montgomery fired after being hit, triggering others to shoot into the crowd. Five colonists were killed, three on the spot,with two dying later of their wounds, including Crispus Attucks, and several others were wounded. This event became a significant catalyst in the lead-up to the American Revolution.