On March 5, 1770, the Boston Massacre unfolded in front of the Old State House, marking a pivotal moment in America’s path to independence. What began as a tense confrontation between British soldiers and colonial protesters quickly escalated into violence, leaving five colonists dead, including Crispus Attucks, the first casualty of the American Revolution. The event fueled anti-British sentiment, fanned by Paul Revere’s famous engraving, and set the stage for the American Revolution just five years later.

Today, a circular marker of cobblestones at the intersection of State and Congress Streets commemorates the spot where the deadly clash occurred. Steps away, the Old State House—once the seat of British colonial government—now houses exhibits that bring the massacre’s story to life, including John Adams’ defense of the British soldiers in court, a moment that underscored his commitment to justice despite his revolutionary leanings.

Standing at the Boston Massacre Site, visitors can reflect on the power of protest, propaganda, and the fight for freedom. As part of the Freedom Trail, it remains an essential stop for those seeking to walk in the footsteps of history and witness the place where America’s rebellion ignited.