Peter Salem's Gravestone:
Peter Salem, A Revolutionary War Veteran And Hero Of The Battle Of Bunker Hill, Died On This Date, In 1816.
During The Battle Of Bunker Hill (Which Actually Took Place On Breed's Hill), Fought In June, 1775, Salem Shot Down British Royal Marine, Maj. John Pitcairn During The Final Assault. The Famous Battle Rallied The Colonies Around The Fight Against The British.
As A Free Black From Farmingham, Massachusetts, Peter Salem Belonged To The Prestigious Ranks Of The Minutemen. The Minutemen Were Skilled Fighters Who Had Weapons And Were Ready To Defend The Colony On Short Notice. Today They Would Be Called "Rapid Deployment Troops."
Salem And Fellow Minuteman, Lemuel Haynes, The First Black Minister Of A White Congregation, Were Present At The Defense Of The Concord Bridge. In This Battle, Which Took Place On April 19, 1775, The Colonists Successfully Forced The British Back To Boston. Salem Also Saw Action At Saratoga And Stony Point.
After The War, Salem Lived Near Leicester, MA, Where He Earned A Living Making Woven Cane.
"In Order For Black History To Live, We Must Continue To Breathe Life Into It." -- Hubert Gaddy, Jr.
