Crispus Attucks (1723-1770)

I have researched and put together a series on African American heroes, patriots and founding fathers of America. Most of them were slaves so many of them have little recorded about their lives. As I did this research I was amazed at the impact these people had on our country and I had never heard of many of them. I hope you will step back into time with me and learn about these forgotten Americans. I encourage you to research them more if one of their stories touches you.

Crispus Attucks (1723-1770)

“First to defy…first to die” in the American Revolution is how Crispus Attucks will be marked in history. He began life as a slave in Farmingham, Massachusetts. He escaped in 1750. Not much else is known about this man.
The year was 1770. One night in Boston, Attucks was a part of a large group of Americans who surrounded British soldiers. The Americans called the British “lobsters” and “bloody backs” because of their red uniforms. Attucks stepped forward with a large piece of wood and said,” Shoot if you dare.” Of course the British took him up on that offer and fired away. Attucks was shot with two bullets and died instantly.
Attucks and four others will be remembered as the first to die in the American Revolution. They should also be remembered for their fighting spirit!

Heroes of the Revolution. Adler, David. Holiday House Publishers. New York City, NY. 2003

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