Anniversary of Crispus Attucks' Death

“Our country is in danger, but not to be despaired of. Our enemies are numerous and powerful; but we have many friends, determining to be free, and heaven and earth will aid the resolution. On you depend the fortunes of America. You are to decide the important question, on which rest the happiness and liberty of millions yet unborn. Act worthy of yourselves.”   - Quote about the Boston Massacre

(Crispus Attucks)

Crispus Attucks was born in Framingham, Massachusetts, USA on an unknown date in 1723. In 1750 there was an advertisement for an escaped slave that resembled Attucks. It was up for debate if that runaway slave was Attucks. After this Attucks became a sailor on whaling ships. Attucks was also an icon of anti slavery. Attucks was only meant to stop in Boston, MA for a short while before leaving for North Carolina. On March 5th 1770 there was a confrontation between a British soldier and a boy, and the soldier hit the boy with the butt of his rifle. A crowd started to gather at the scene. The crowd was led by Attucks. The crowd threw stones and snowballs at the now group of British soldiers, challenging the soldiers to fire their weapons. One of the British soldiers after being knocked to the ground by an object thrown yelled “Damn you, Fire!” and the rest of the soldiers fired into the crowd. Attucks being in front of the crowd was shot first. He was instantly killed. He was about 47 years old. He was the 1st casualty of the American Revolution.

(A drawing of Attucks being killed during the Boston Massacre)

Today is the 246th anniversary of his death. Take time to remember the 1st martyr of the United States today.