Many events led up to the start of the American Revolution, yet few were as significant as the Boston Massacre, which took place March 5, 1770. To mark its importance, the annual Boston Massacre Commemoration takes place in and around the Old State House on March 3. A day of events is planned, including the highlight, a re-enactment at 7 p.m. of that fateful incident 248 years ago when British troops that were in the city to help enforce Britain’s unpopular tax policies fired on an angry mob that had gathered on King Street, resulting in the deaths of five citizens. The Old State House hosts costumed historians from 1–4 p.m. who recount the events of that day, while the free outdoor festivities begin at 6 p.m. with the gathering of Colonial-garbed patriots, loyalists and moderates in the plaza outside the venerable edifice.
