On this day in history, the tide turned against the Redcoats.
Boston was a hotbed of activity during the American Revolution, immortalized primarily by the aptly-named Boston Tea Party of 1773. However, there was another event that occurred in its streets that fanned the flames of what would become one of the greatest political upsets in history.
An argument broke out between a British soldier and two young colonists regarding a shirked payment. The soldier then struck the young boy. As the confrontation grew more aggressive, a large crowd soon gathered. More than 300 people surrounded the British private, throwing small objects and daring him to fire his weapon. Eight additional Redcoats arrived and were promptly swept into the skirmish. At one point, one of the British officers was thrown down, momentarily dropping his musket, and he angrily shouted “Damn you, fire!” 11 shots were immediately set off into the crowd, although no official order was given.
Three colonists were killed instantly and eight others were wounded, two of which died of their injuries later on. When the offending soldiers were brought to trial, John Adams himself defended them, leading to only two convictions.
“The Incident on King Street,” as the British call it, became a catalyst for Revolutionary fury, used as an example to condemn the authority of King George III and Parliament. John Adams famously wrote that “the foundation of American independence” was laid on March 5, 1770, Massacre Day.
