Crispus Attucks | |
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![]() Speculative 19th-century portrait of Crispus Attucks | |
Born | Crispus Attucks c.1723[1] |
Died | March 5, 1770 (age 47)[1] |
Occupation | Dockworker[1] |
Crispus Attucks (circa 1723 – March 5, 1770) was the first person to die in the Boston Massacre.[2] This made him the first American to die in the American Revolutionary War.[3] After being killed at the Boston Massacre, Attucks became a martyr of the American Revolution. He also became a symbol for the abolitionist (anti-slavery) movement, both in the 18th century and the 19th century.
Attucks had a big impact on important historical events like the American Revolution and the abolitionist movement. However, he continues to have an impact on American culture today. Even 250 years after his death, modern songs, stories, and television shows still talk about Attucks. Children go to schools that are named after him. In 2002, Attucks was named one of the "100 Greatest African Americans" in United States History.[4]