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This detail from Trumbull’s painting shows the man who is believed to have shot Pitcairn. — A detail from Trumbull’s “The Death of General Warren at the Battle of Bunker Hill” shows Peter Salem in the bottom right | MFA Boston

Biography

Peter Salem

Peter Salem, an emancipated Black man who fought as a minuteman, is credited with a significant role in the Battle of Bunker Hill and later served in multiple campaigns during the Revolutionary War.

Title

Private

War & Affiliation

Rev War, Patriot

Date of Birth - Death

October 1, 1750 - August 16, 1816

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