Battle of Golden Hill facts for kids
The Battle of Golden Hill was a clash between British soldiers and American colonists. It happened in New York City on January 19, 1770. This event was one of the early violent moments that led to the American Revolution. It took place before the famous Boston Massacre.
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Why Were People Upset?
During the 1760s, there was a lot of tension between the American colonies and Britain. In New York City, a group called the Sons of Liberty often put up "Liberty poles." These poles were symbols of their unhappiness with British rule.
The First Liberty Poles
The very first Liberty Pole was put up in City Hall Park on May 21, 1766. This was to celebrate the end of the Stamp Act. The Stamp Act was a British tax that colonists hated. British soldiers did not like the pole and cut it down in August. They were upset that New York was not enforcing the Stamp Act.
More poles were put up, and the British kept cutting them down. A third pole stayed up until 1767. Then, British soldiers cut it down after seeing colonists celebrating the Stamp Act's repeal. A fourth pole was put up and made stronger with iron bands.
New Laws and More Trouble
In 1767, the Quartering Act was passed. This law made colonists provide housing and supplies for British soldiers. The New York government mostly ignored this law. In response, the British Parliament removed New York's assembly. They replaced it with one that would follow the law.
The Sons of Liberty reacted by putting up posters called "To the Betrayed Inhabitants of the City and Colony of New York." These posters criticized the British. On January 16, British soldiers blew up the Liberty Pole. They did this because of the posters and because soldiers were paid for supporting the Quartering Act. They left the pole's remains at a tavern owner's door. The soldiers also put up their own posters. These posters called the Sons of Liberty "enemies of society." They said the Sons of Liberty thought their freedom "depended on a piece of wood."
What Happened at Golden Hill?
On January 19, 1770, six weeks before the Boston Massacre, the conflict grew.
The Confrontation Begins
Isaac Sears, a leader of the Sons of Liberty, and others tried to stop some soldiers. The soldiers were putting up posters at the Fly Market, near Maiden Lane. Sears captured some of the soldiers. He started marching them toward the mayor's office. The other British soldiers ran to their barracks to get help.
Soon, a crowd of townspeople arrived. More soldiers also showed up. The soldiers were surrounded and greatly outnumbered. Other soldiers tried to help their friends. But they were ordered to go back to their barracks.
The Fight on Golden Hill
As the soldiers were being escorted away, they reached John Street. This was between William Street and Pearl Street. This area was known as "Golden Hill" because of a nearby wheat field.
An officer then told his soldiers, "Soldiers, draw your bayonets and cut your way through them." Bayonets are knife-like blades attached to rifles. More soldiers arrived, and officers tried to stop the fight. Several soldiers were badly bruised. One soldier had a serious wound. Some townspeople were also hurt. Some reports say one person died, but this is not certain.
What Were the Effects?
Even though many people were hurt, no one was killed in the Battle of Golden Hill.
Aftermath and Legacy
The event made Alexander McDougall famous in the area. He later became a general in the Continental Army. After the battle, the last Liberty Pole was put up on February 6, 1770.
The Battle of Golden Hill was not as well-known as the Boston Massacre. However, it was remembered in 1898 with a plaque. The plaque was placed at the battle site, in what is now Eden's Alley. Sadly, the building was torn down, and the plaque disappeared.
