On the Road to Independence

Today, let's step back in time to 1770. . .

Boston Massacre

Responsibility for the Boston Massacre is still debated to this day. With whom does the blame rest — Bostonians hurling insults, oyster shells, and other objects at British soldiers or overacting military violating laws by firing upon civilians? Regardless of blame, this day had a significant impact on the American Revolution.

Once Upon a Night

Tempers flared, insults soared

Across the streets of Dock Square

On the firth day of March

Angered wailing filled the air

      Crispus Attucks being killed during the Boston Massacre

Resentment over imposed taxes
Activated new forms of oppression
Warnings of tyranny and power
American colonists judged unfair

Freedom of thought, true expression
Characterized these colonists
Not being awed and subjugated
By the staunch British men of war

Testing the great cause of liberty
Brought mockery to the square
As landing of steadfast British troops
The citizens did forswear

Constant feeling of irritation
Led to Boston’s Battle of King Street
Where soldiers armed, ready and willing
Thoughtlessly fired upon the people

Paul Revere’s famous engraving of “The Bloody Massacre”

Deaths of five civilians
At the hands of British troops
Could not have been spared
By the most towering steeple



The after effects of the Boston Massacre: 
5 dead and the beginning of a revolt.    

Immediate, lasting ire
Laid irrevocable groundwork
For it was on this night
Virtual history was made

From that moment was dated

Severance from the British
“On that night the foundation
Of independence was laid!”

~Boston, Massachusetts, 1770