Copp's Hill Burying Ground
Two brothers, one smuggler and one customs man. Boston made a hero of the first and tarred the second.
Listen to this place’s story in Peplos.
How the story begins
Somewhere on this hill is a gravestone that opens by telling you how deep the grave is. "Here lies buried in a stone grave ten feet deep," it begins, and then it names Captain Daniel Malcom, merchant. British officials thought of him as a smuggler. In September of 1766, customs men came to his house on Fleet Street looking for untaxed wine in his cellar. He met them at the door with pistols and a sword.
The rest is in the app. Peplos plays the full story when you reach the place. You can also listen ahead of time.
Visiting
Hull Street, North End. The City of Boston gives hours as daily from about nine to four. Outdoors. Stay on the paths: these are old, fragile stones.
Photos
Sources
- City of Boston, Copp's Hill Burying Ground
- Old North Church, Capt. Daniel Malcolm (2015)
- J. L. Bell, Boston 1775: Stand-off at Captain Malcom's, with Revere's deposition
- J. L. Bell, Boston 1775: John Malcom, Customs Officer (2024)
- J. L. Bell, Boston 1775: The Remains of Captain Daniel Malcom (2024)
- American Battlefield Trust, Copp's Hill Burying Ground
- Executed Today, John Malcom, citing Boston Gazette 31 January 1774 and Hewes
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