Boston Massacre
Historical Site Historic Boston site of the 1770 civilian killings
The Boston Massacre (5 March 1770) occurred outside the Old State House. The event’s site on the Freedom Trail draws history visitors to plaques, museum exhibits and nearby Revolutionary‑era buildings.
The Boston Massacre refers to the deadly confrontation on 5 March 1770 between British soldiers and residents of Boston, Massachusetts, in which five colonists were killed. The event occurred on King Street in front of the Old State House and became a pivotal episode in the events leading to the American Revolution.
Key figures killed included Crispus Attucks and others, and contemporary prints and accounts - notably a widely distributed engraving by Paul Revere - were used to publicize and politicize the incident. The episode was followed by trials in which several soldiers were acquitted or given reduced sentences.
The site is located in downtown Boston at the Old State House and is part of the Freedom Trail and the Boston National Historical Park, with interpretive material and markers for visitors.
- Physical marker: An in-situ marker and plaque on the front of the Old State House in Boston mark the location where the incident took place on 5 March 1770.
How to Get to Boston Massacre #
The Boston Massacre marker is at the Old State House in downtown Boston (near the corner of State and Washington Streets). The site is a very short walk from the MBTA State Street station (Orange and Blue lines) and also a few minutes’ walk from Downtown Crossing (Red Line). It is in Boston’s compact historic core, so once you’re on foot in the area the site is easily reached within a few minutes.
Tips for Visiting Boston Massacre #
- Stand at the cobblestone ring in front of the Old State House on State Street to see the exact marked spot of the Boston Massacre and to orient yourself on the Freedom Trail; the site is clearly signed and is immediately west of the Old State House.
- Visit early in the morning to view the marker and read the interpretive plaques before guided tours and Freedom Trail foot traffic increase around mid‑day.
Best Time to Visit Boston Massacre #
For the Boston Massacre site on the Freedom Trail, spring or fall usually give the best balance of pleasant weather and moderate crowds; summer is busiest.
Weather & Climate near Boston Massacre #
Boston Massacre's climate is classified as Hot-Summer Continental - Hot-Summer Continental climate with warm summers (peaking in July) and freezing winters (coldest in January). Temperatures range from -7°C to 29°C. Abundant rainfall (1121 mm/year), wettest in November, distributed fairly evenly throughout the year.
January
January is the coldest month with highs of 2°C and lows of -7°C. Significant rainfall (101 mm).
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February
February is freezing with highs of 4°C and lows of -6°C. Regular rainfall (86 mm).
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March
March is cold with highs of 8°C and lows of -2°C. Significant rainfall (102 mm).
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April
April is cold with highs of 14°C and lows of 3°C. Regular rainfall (95 mm).
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May
May is cool with highs of 21°C and lows of 9°C. Regular rainfall (85 mm).
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June
June is mild with highs of 26°C and lows of 14°C. Regular rainfall (87 mm).
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July
July is the warmest month with highs of 29°C and lows of 17°C. Regular rainfall (82 mm).
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August
August is mild with highs of 28°C and lows of 17°C. Regular rainfall (90 mm).
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September
September is cool with highs of 24°C and lows of 12°C. Regular rainfall (91 mm).
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October
October is cool with highs of 18°C and lows of 6°C. Regular rainfall (97 mm).
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November
November is cold with highs of 11°C and lows of 1°C. The wettest month with heavy rain (105 mm).
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December
December is cold with highs of 5°C and lows of -4°C. Regular rainfall (100 mm).
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