Salem, Peter (1750?-1816), was a former black slave who fought in the Battle of Bunker Hill. The battle, actually fought at nearby Breed’s Hill, was one of the first military conflicts of the American Revolution (1775-1783). The battle was fought on June 17, 1775, near Boston.
In the battle, British forces attacked colonial troops who were defending Breed’s Hill. According to one story, the colonial troops were near defeat, and British Major John Pitcairn ordered them to surrender. Salem then stepped forward and shot Pitcairn. The British were temporarily stunned, and the Americans were able to retreat. Pitcairn later died of the wound.
Salem was born a slave in Framingham, Massachusetts. His original owner was Jeremiah Belknap. Belknap sold him to Lawson Buckminister of Framingham. Buckminister allowed Salem to enlist in the colonial army. In exchange for enlisting in the army, Salem received his freedom. After the Battle of Bunker Hill, Salem served in the colonial forces until the end of the war. Salem died on Aug. 16, 1816.
