A Deadly Snowball Fight That Changed History (The Boston Massacre) | History Traveler Episode 257

We're taking things back to where it all began for the United States. One of the most confusing and misunderstood events connected to the genesis of the United States was the Boston Massacre. In this episode, we're going to the spot where this pivotal action took place and getting insight from the professionals at the Old State House to try and sort out the history of this wild event that changed the world.
Learn more about the Old State House & other historic places in Boston at www.revolutionaryspaces.org.
This episode was produced in partnership with The Gettysburg Museum of History. See how you can support history education & artifact preservation by visiting their website & store at www.gettysburgmuseumofhistory...
Support the effort to expand history education on PATREON: / historyunderground
Set yourself up with a 10% DISCOUNT on all Origin gear and nutritional products by entering the code "history10" at www.originmaine.com!
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[@TheHistoryUnderground]

⭐ If you've watched a few episodes and feel like I've earned it, be sure to subscribe so that you don't miss any new content when it comes out. Also be sure to check out The Gettysburg Museum of History and their store at gettysburgmuseumofhistory.com.

[@barbarachieppo9603]

Love your channel and content.👍

[@kristalacasse3993]

P

[@lizlittle1641]

I've been to Boston and seen where the Boston Massacre took place. I loved being in that city, seeing where the country began. Every American should go there and see.

[@orwellboy1958]

You should come to the original Boston and see the Boston stump.🤣 Seriously though don't bother it's just a church, a very nice church but still just a church. Have a good day.

[@goodman4966]

Indeed love living Boston ❤️ so much history there

[@robertmoore2049]

I went there in 1992. Beautiful city, endless source of history of early America. I love Boston and will go there again. My aunt lived there in Beacon Hill on Louisburg Square. You can see the lights of Fenway Park and the old Citgo sign from her fourth story flat and the Bull and Finch, the inspiration for the tv series, Cheers. Boston will always have a special place in my heart. Thank you, JD!

[@englishkev107]

I think every British citizen should visit too!

[@lizlittle1641]

@@englishkev107 You are correct. I agree 💯

[@BoomyNation]

Love this! As much as I adore the Civil War and WW2. Colonial history is just as if not more amazing to me. Glad you're doing this.

[@jonrettich4579]

I have only once seen where the grim meaning of “no taxation without representation” is explained. It meant that as in the terrible, recent enough and ongoing treatment of Scotland and Ireland British could do whatever they wanted to those without representation in parliament, no rights whatsoever, leaving them absolutely dependent on English will a terrifying threat. Why this is basically never emphasized in our histories I do not know. It explains everything. Men like Franklin and Washington tried hard for representation and peace till there was no option but independence

[@sharonrigs7999]

The Founding Fathers would weep (and be really pissed) if they saw what America would be like in 2022.

[@vikingpiper]

One of my favorite time periods, the birth of our nation. It's bittersweet and ironic as we are now living in the midst of our terminal nation.

[@felixmadison5736]

What a great job you are doing! I was born and raised on Cape Cod, Ma., and have been to Boston many, many times. On my late mother's side, our family dates all the way back to John Adams. The only thing I love studying more than our Civil War is our Revolutionary War. Every American should learn our nation's history because it is amazing! Every time I'm in Boston and walk 'The Liberty Trail', I get goose bumps! Walking past the 'Old North Church' and wondering what it must have been like when Paul Revere and William Dawes went on their 'Midnight Ride'. The Revolutionary War and the events that led up to it are something every patriotic American should read up on because it's fascinating.

[@jefflawrentz1624]

I always wonder how relics like these survive through the ages until they make their way into a museum display. This was quite interesting. Well done!

[@TheHistoryUnderground]

👍🏻

[@barbarachieppo9603]

It was fascinating to see that vial of tea.👍

[@1psychofan]

What? Doesn’t everyone binge your channel? Here I am again! 😊

[@TheHistoryUnderground]

Ha! Thanks.

[@SoCal780]

It was quite amazing to see these actual artifacts and to hear the stories about the Tea Party and the Massacre. Also, to see the old state house amongst the modern day buildings was quite a contrast. I couldn’t help thinking what if our Founding Fathers could somehow come back and see that scene for themselves and what they would think about how Boston looks today!

[@skyjust828]

I think it would freak them out😂 women wearing art dresses & "horseless carriages" people holding small boxes talking to the air??? 😮whaa??? lol

[@idrinkbeer3922]

This episode was extremely enjoyable. Props to the tour guides who narrated a part of this episode. There passion bleeds through my cell phone screen. Much appreciated. Thank you!!

[@TheHistoryUnderground]

👊🏻

[@larrystephens7437]

Lucy Pollock did an excellent presentation. Her smile and use of her hands tell a great story.

[@TheHistoryUnderground]

Agreed!

[@normagrimstad8869]

Love to see young people involved in history!

[@jeffsquires6620]

Awesome, more Revolutionary War episodes please.

[@TheHistoryUnderground]

More on the way. 🙂🇺🇸

[@Jerry-fn5nx]

Great episode! Love the old state house museum and the contents inside. Amazing pieces of artifacts from the birth of our country. Although modern buildings have taken over, still awe inspiring to see the place where the massacre too place. Lucy and Dedre were great in their telling of the history of that place. So glad you are doing a series on the revolutionary war. I'm an early American history buff and this is my favorite timeline to look at 👍

[@TheHistoryUnderground]

👍🏻🇺🇸

[@richwilliams7920]

Being from the UK I am not necessarily in agreement with the colonists view of things, but the history of the American Revolution really is fascinating. David McCullough's 'John Adams' and '1776' s really shine much light onto the period. Thanks for all your videos. They are always fascinating and insightful.

[@marilyn6556]

I am a big history buff, and I am so enjoying all of your series, on everything! I started learning more about the Revolutionary war, and I can’t get enough info on it. Are they even teaching the kids in school about this, at the present time? It is so important to learn about how the USA was developed, and about the Patriots role in ridding us of England’s tyranny. Students need to learn the facts of everything that happened at the time, and examine it from the standards of the time period.

[@TheHistoryUnderground]

Thanks! Unfortunately, from my experience, the American Revolution doesn't get the attention that it needs or deserves. When it is covered, it's usually in the lower grades and kids don't retain more than a few basic facts. Hoping that people will be sharing these videos to help close the gap a bit.

[@lthom5158]

Great episode! “The tremor that began the earthquake that was the American Revolution!” Great analogy!

[@karafisher9546]

Thank you so much for focusing on the Revolutionary War time period now. I think your timing is perfect as so many people in our country want to tear down and eliminate our history; especially vilify our inception as a country. To know the importance of where we came from (and our ancestors) is crucial in order to understand and appreciate who we are (supposed to be). Thank you again! :)

[@TheHistoryUnderground]

🇺🇸

[@SoCal780]

You are SO right! 👍

[@DeSw23]

It is shameful I have not been to Boston when I minored in American History is college! The museum of the American Revolution in Philadelphia is A-M-A-Z-I-N-G! So much to see there and such an engaging experience!

[@irishwarrior35]

I love that you are doing the American Revolution. I have been reading books on all the founding fathers and am somewhat obsessed with it at the moment.

[@TheHistoryUnderground]

👍🏻

[@billn8304]

Perfect transition from WWII to the Revolutionary War; a duck boat goes by as your about to pan to the State House in Boston.

[@TheHistoryUnderground]

😅

[@mrs.g.9816]

I copped onto the true horror of being in an "occupied" country, especially when you mention how a British soldier treated that teenage boy. Thanks also for giving us a tour of the Old State House museum.

[@Philliesfever1]

Really excited for the rest of this American Revolution series JD.

[@TheHistoryUnderground]

👍🏻

[@timf2279]

JD, I'm looking forward to this series. This is the bedrock of our founding principles, that so many people have taken for granted or just don't know about. I hope people become educated on why this wonderful country was formed.

[@TheHistoryUnderground]

🇺🇸

[@flowerofson-shine3539]

I’m afraid for our country that doesn’t teach our history so thank you so much! I can’t go there so I really appreciate this.❤️🇺🇸

[@noidlehands2019]

Boston is a great city. So full of history. I look forward to more videos about Revolutionary Era history.

[@janetcarey6954]

Amazing information that one doesn't learn in school. More details need to be shared as you are doing! Thank you!

[@philipcollins5440]

I have learned more history from you than I learned in school... Thanks

[@TheHistoryUnderground]

👍🏻

[@Harleyever]

Thanks...would love to see more on the "American Revolution " I sit and drink coffee in the comfort of my home and travel all over

[@TheHistoryUnderground]

Got some more on the way!

[@Harleyever]

@@TheHistoryUnderground thanks for the reply , interesting that the "Boston Massacre " and "Boston Tea Party " were approx 3yrs apart in the same city...that's a long time for things to simmer ... while lots of other things were happening throughout the Colonies.?....the rest is ....uh....history. Thanks again !

[@denisebarkley4856]

Thank you JD! I love that you love the history of our beautiful nation so much. Your videos are always absolutely fascinating! I'm spellbound while watching each one!

[@WaterandIceOutdoors]

Really pumped about you covering the Revolutionary War. I was just in Boston three weeks ago doing the Freedom Trail. It was awesome.

[@TheHistoryUnderground]

👍🏻

[@michaelgalea5148]

Thank You JD for the great video. I used to work at colonial Williamsburg in 1978. I wanted to visit Boston and walk the freedom trail. Now I am happy that you got there for me. And, I appreciate you covering the Revolution. It is my favorite time in history. Keep up the great work.

[@TheHistoryUnderground]

👍🏻

[@bencumbee5542]

One of my most favorite places in the US. I love Boston so much. I want to move back there sooo bad. But it’s so damn expensive.

[@TheHistoryUnderground]

Yeah, I was pretty floored by how expensive everything was there.

[@patriciayohn6136]

Ben Cumbee, as a native Pennsylvanian, I to would like to visit Boston, but only for the Clam Chowder, Boston Baked Beans, the Brown Bread, the Parkerhouse Rolls, and the Boston Cream Pie, but sadly as you mentioned it is too damned expensive and to easy to get lost in Boston. I have been there in the Sixties, so I guess that will have to suffice. Just returned from Charleston, SC, also really expensive, stay across the River in Mount Pleasant the prices are much better there.

[@Spitnchicklets]

I grew up just outside of Boston back in the 60’s-the 80’s. I loved the old feel of history. It was and is everywhere you go. It was part of life for me.

[@rah2209]

LOVE hearing about the American Revolution. It’s rarely taught in school anymore and yet it’s the most important war America has ever fought.

[@TheHistoryUnderground]

Hopefully people will be sharing this and the next several videos out.

[@Dog-O]

Hey you finally made it to my state!🥳 Born and raised in Somerville.

[@TheHistoryUnderground]

👍🏻

[@mikesweeney1435]

Nice JD, I highly recommend watching the HBO Series, "John Adams" for lots of great background on everything you discussed here, including the Massacre and his defense of the soldiers

[@TheHistoryUnderground]

Definitely need to see that.

[@jasonmorin5209]

Way to work, JD! Great to see you're in New England. I'm from southern New Hampshire just over the border, where General John Stark took command of then marched the 1st NH down to Breed's hill to contain the British regulars. So much history around here, that's why I stay! Keep fighting the good fight!

[@nbgrooms]

It's like it is in most major urban area. People running around seemingly unaware of the history close by. You do a great job educating people about a place maybe they pass every day but haven't taken the time to learn its history.

[@timbawktoo6063]

I absolutely love this channel. You can see and feel the passion put into these episodes. Keep up the amazing work here!

[@TheHistoryUnderground]

Thank you!

[@tiffanyannhowe1712]

Saved!! Gonna watch what I know will be GREAT content this evening. 🖤 thanks for the video drop!

[@marctremblay8087]

Thank you for your new video , this is a phase of the Revolution i didnt know about before, where the seeds were planted and into what would become a new nation.

[@TheHistoryUnderground]

🇺🇸

[@joeritchie4554]

That was an awesome episode! I had never heard the entire story of what happened at the Boston Massacre. Thank you for sharing and educating me and others. Love your videos.

[@BT-xm4cq]

Thank you for your service to bring all these things to light 😀

[@TheHistoryUnderground]

Thanks!

[@slimfire5475]

Very interesting and informative video J.D .Thank you.

[@vishuddhathakkar]

I have been waiting for this video for over 2 years. !!! Finally it’s time to see Boston in your channel and am super excited! I sincerely hope you cover the Freedom Trail walk and USS Constitution museum. When you are in Boston there is so much to do :)

[@RoyatAvalonFarms]

Thanks for your presentation on this. I appreciate you actually going to the historical site and explaining the events, the context and the surroundings of the time.

[@TheHistoryUnderground]

👍🏻

[@judygrandstrand9784]

One of my favorite periods of history!

[@cyndiebill6631]

I live about 45 minutes from Boston and love that city. It’s history is amazing. To live in New England where our freedom began is makes me and all life time New Englanders very proud. Thank you for sharing this video and letting people who my never get to see and learn this part of American history know we’re it all began👍😁

[@Steve_Thompson]

Thank you for this video on the American Revolution. To me, this is the most important conflict in our nation's history.

[@TheHistoryUnderground]

👍🏻

[@michaelchappell902]

Thank you for filling in the names and dates of this key part of American History. Love your presentations of American History.

[@TheHistoryUnderground]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@Ronaldl2350]

Used to live in Massachusetts. Neat history all around there. Hope you will being visiting Lexington and Concord. I did not know Queen Elizabeth visited the U.S. During the bicentennial.

[@TheHistoryUnderground]

Got some Lexington and Concord content coming.

[@Ronaldl2350]

@@TheHistoryUnderground Great! It's pretty amazing being at the places where our country started.

[@phyllishershkowitz3806]

Loved the old state house. Can't wait for more colonial/American Revolution videos! Thanks so much!

[@TheHistoryUnderground]

Thanks!

[@curtisd8166]

Thank you to Lucy and JD! Great episode!

[@TheHistoryUnderground]

Thanks!

[@demariuswashington2110]

I’m a history lover especially when places like that are visited

[@matthewmoneypit1558]

Very awesome video. Are you going to start a series of videos on the American revolution JD? The tour guide Lucy was very good at explaining things.

[@TheHistoryUnderground]

Yep!

[@rmgosselin951]

I've been following your Civil War posts for a while now, and I was thrilled to see that you visited my home town. Another in a long list of insightful, well-balanced reports. Thanks for making me homesick! 😉

[@TheHistoryUnderground]

Thanks!

[@buckberthod5007]

It'd be nice to see a "on location" at Bunker Hill, Lexington and Concord, Saratoga, Brandywine, Valley Forge, Trenton, Yorktown etc

[@TheHistoryUnderground]

Got a few of those that we’ll be hitting in this series.

[@buckberthod5007]

@@TheHistoryUnderground What about Cowtowns?

[@HistoryBigVic]

Great job on showing American history on the Revolution. I love how American Colonists stood up against the British Empire and won. God Bless America.

[@TheHistoryUnderground]

Thanks! More on the way.

[@DustinWiseM1]

Great video JD. Like the content around the Revolution. Went to Boston a few years back and every stop along the freedom trail is amazing and so much historical information to consume🇺🇸

[@TheHistoryUnderground]

👍🏻

[@richardgummere84]

I love your channel, I'm a huge history nerd but I still learn a lot from your videos. Thanks for covering the American Revolution, looking forward to seeing more!

[@TheHistoryUnderground]

👊🏻

[@tch1225]

Amazing video JD. When I learned about the Boston Massacre recently I was taught that the Captain yelled out “hold your fire” or something to that effect and the last guy down the line only heard “fire”. I also find it interesting that the colonists complained about taxes yet they never payed nearly enough to what British citizens payed in Britain.

[@TheHistoryUnderground]

Definitely a confused mess.

[@lindaeasley5606]

The British had given the colonists freedom to pretty much rule themselves and basically never gave them a thought untill they started going broke and needed money The colonies also had a shortage of cash due to the system set up by the British. The colonists shipped raw materials to Britain and then the British would sell the finished products back to the colonies at marked up prices. Only a few had any wealth.The majority of colonists ,especially in the south lived meagerly. Alternate forms of currency were used like the Spanish dollar ,and some were reduced to a barter system. In the south, tobacco was often traded as barter

[@marilyn6556]

The Colonists were taxed without representation. The English were bleeding the people dry with their taxes. I admire the Patriots determination in governing themselves. We are forever in their debt.

[@normagrimstad8869]

Thank you so much for your channel and commentary. I would show your channel to middle school and high school students. Superb! I live in Massachusetts and need to take a historical staycation soon!

[@wendykenney8145]

Our son and daughter both live in Boston - we love visiting, there’s so much history!

[@erickstiner1668]

Great opening for a fascinating chapter of our history. Thank you for creating this up coming series.

[@TheHistoryUnderground]

👊🏻

[@Chiller01]

In the 18th century an 18yr old is not a child or even an adolescent. It’s also interesting that John Adams successfully defends the British soldiers.

[@boondocker7964]

JD, we are still called Taxachusetts for a reason. Someone should have bought you a "Sam Adams", while you were in Beantown.

[@frenchfan3368]

"Taxachusetts" is right. Some things have changed little since the American Revolution in Massachusetts.

[@boondocker7964]

@@frenchfan3368 Frenchies, are okay, I'm one half Frenchie, the old people, did their part.

[@skimmer8774]

This is really interesting. I like the way you show and tell events because it makes it easy to imagine the picture of what you are describing. Looking forward to more. Thank you

[@TheHistoryUnderground]

Thanks! Glad that you’re enjoying it.

[@terrystephenson984]

Out of all your videos that I’ve watched, I think this is my favorite so far! Really interesting!

[@patrickangotti8880]

Thank you for a fantastic video J. D.! I lived in Worcester back in the 90s and spent a lot of time exploring Boston history. This video makes me nostalgic!

[@TheHistoryUnderground]

Awesome! Thanks!

[@cmccrackedteefers292]

I’m so glad you decided to cover come of the revolutionary war!!!!! I can’t wait to see what a wonderful job I know you’ll do! First episode was AWESOME! I learned something new!

[@TheHistoryUnderground]

Thanks!

[@edwardjasper]

Very interesting to me as a Brit I,'ve never heard of the Boston massacre. So Thank you for your series always nice to learn a bit more.

[@TheHistoryUnderground]

👍🏻

[@williambechmann6547]

Another outstanding video, JD! I am looking forward to all of your future videos regarding the American Revolutionary War.

[@michaeldouglas1243]

I've been waiting for a series on this. Makes me want to watch the mini series TURN once again.

[@bobgrewe988]

Until recently retiring to Florida, I lived in Boston almost my entire adult life and never visited this building. I certainly knew of the bldgs significance but never visited. Thanks for the visit.

[@Ani-ce6jd]

Man just thank you for everywhere you go and present the history we love on this channel. For history lovers that don't have many means to see artifacts and places that history happened, this Channel is a real treat! Love all of it man 100 percent.

[@anthonydm2947]

I love this! I’m fell behind on your videos, so I’m playing catch up. Great to see you added my favorite era.. thank you.

[@TheHistoryUnderground]

Thanks!

[@moparhp340]

love the info on the subject! everyone needs to remember why we are here.

[@TheHistoryUnderground]

👍🏻

[@mamab4211]

How interesting!! Thank you!!! I had never heard these details before.. Thank you so much!!

[@michelehurt9258]

Grew up in Massachusetts, always loved the history there. General Shepherd was from my hometown. Knew one of his decendents! Thanks, keep up the great work JD.

[@jonnyfennessy9812]

Born in Quincy Ma.. raised, & live. Your surroundings are so full of history...it makes you respect it.

[@TheHistoryUnderground]

Tons of history there. Love it!

[@adriennejames9120]

Thank you for getting away from ww2 and the civil war for a while! This was fascinating, please do some more around the area!

[@TheHistoryUnderground]

Thanks…..I think. 😅

[@anthonywilson102]

Great episode! Looking forward to all the Boston vids.

[@terryeustice5399]

JD knew very little about the Revolutionary War. I’m learning. Thanks for your video. Merry Christmas 🎁🎄

[@TheHistoryUnderground]

Thanks! 👍🏻

[@anthonycalbillo9376]

Coming from California to Missouri, I didn't know anything about snow, and cold. I have a deep respect for anyone working outside.

[@TheHistoryUnderground]

😅

[@13JAMLAND]

Great episode, more on this subject please. As a Brit and a lover of history I look forward to the day when I go to Boston U.S and see in person where the U.S Revolution all began. 🇬🇧🇺🇸

[@TheHistoryUnderground]

Got some more on the way. Thanks!

[@HarrisonReed1]

My family and I took that trip last year. Got to go to Lexington and concord and a few other spots. Thanks for including more revolutionary war material!

[@lisamoore6804]

Really enjoyed this video, it's pretty important to know what happened back then.

[@peterscaglione1345]

Thank you for this video. This era is rich with stories. Along with your WWII content this will be on my priority list to watch.

[@TheHistoryUnderground]

Thanks!

[@jimwiskus8862]

I saw the movie John Adams that portrayed the enticement and ultimate shooting. It was very well done. Thank you JD as always. See you in the next installment.

[@Wreckdiver59]

Nice to have a video where I recognize most of the major players. I guess I have some history teachers to thank for that. Still learned a few things though 👍

[@TheHistoryUnderground]

👍🏻

[@shanepatterson3389]

Awesome video! Can’t wait to see what you do next!

[@mikearreola2609]

OUTSTANDING PRESENTATION YOU HAVE GIVEN US!!! Just wonderful and very intriguing information and to actually see these priceless and very important artifacts from the era of the birth of our nation… The United States of America and its founders and people. Let us NEVER forget!!!! 🇺🇸🙏💖

[@fredv7487]

Absolutely awesome video JD. Thanks for taking the time and hard work. Always interesting. 👍👍👍👍👍

[@TheHistoryUnderground]

👍🏻

[@tomscott7271]

Thank you for covering the American Revolution. You make history very interesting.

[@1psychofan]

THE REVOLUTION!!!! My favorite era! Pressing play now!

[@TheHistoryUnderground]

👊🏻

[@brianjoyce1427]

I’ve been waiting for this series can’t wait to hear it better then grade school

[@TheHistoryUnderground]

Thanks!

[@BigLisaFan]

Been there!!! The State House wasn't open and I did not know the marker was in the wrong spot or the significance of the design. There is no interpretive plaque there either which I thought unusual. Boston is a walking town. So much history around nearly every corner and the traffic is unforgiving to people with out of state or country licence plates. If I see someone driving and is confused, if it's a plate from somewhere else, I'll be a bit more patient. Not there, baby! Stayed at the historic Liberty Hotel which used to be the jail, that is a great place. The Common also has the big monument to the 54th Massachusetts Colored Infantry of "Glory" fame. We saw so much and , like a lot of tourists, rode the "ducks", had a beer in Cheers, left them a shoulder badge for their collection, went on the swan boats. In fact, on my wall is a signed print of the boats, a drawing of the bridge in the common and photo of it in winter along with real feathered ducks and a drawing of Faneuil Hall. I won't steal your thunder for upcoming videos but if you get on board USS Constitution, look closely at the cannon on the gun deck and see if you can spot something. The guide on board nearly fell over when I asked about it because he said only a hand full of visitors ever notice that. He said it was the mark of a true historian because historians see everything. Looking forward to the rest of the series and seeing and learning more about what we saw in Boston. Would love to go back again sometime, the place oozes history.

[@TheHistoryUnderground]

Love the history in that city.

[@eileenmacdougall8945]

This was an excellent presentation. Thank you.

[@Nate-sy4gb]

That was, top shelf, red blooded, well done. God bless America, may we keep, are real values of are founding fathers.

[@TheHistoryUnderground]

👊🏻🇺🇸