Peter Salem

Peter Salem was an African American soldier who fought at the Battles of Lexington and Concord during the American Revolutionary War. Born into slavery in Framingham, Massachusetts, he was freed by Lawson Buckminster, who encouraged him to join the fight for independence. Salem is notably recognized for his bravery at the Battle of Bunker Hill, where he played a pivotal role in the conflict by killing British Major Pitcairn. His contributions highlight the significant but often overlooked role of Black soldiers in the fight for American freedom.