The patriotic movement gained momentum in the colonies, and “liberty poles” sprang up and were designated as meeting places and symbols of American resistance to what was perceived as British oppression. In addition, British regulars were continuously harassed and threatened as they moved through the city, which further heightened tensions. The British struck back on January 17, 1770, when regulars in a provocative act hacked down a liberty pole that was erected near Golden Hill in New York City. Word spread and soon an unruly mob of “Liberty Boys” gathered at the site of the fallen liberty pole. Most of New York’s patriots, including Hercules Mulligan, were present giving speeches and exhortations to the crowd. The throng grew in numbers and unruliness with the result that another detachment of Redcoats was dispatched to the area to restore peace and order. The British underestimated the number and resolve of the rabble-rousers, and the Redcoats not only were unable to quell the disturbance but found themselves enveloped and detained by the mob. A larger group of regulars marched to rescue their comrades, and as soon as they arrived on scene, they fixed bayonets and charged into the crowd freeing the detained Redcoats. The mob retreated to nearby Golden Hill, and from there they began to jeer and throw rocks at the British. Angered by the taunts and flying projectiles, the Redcoats again attacked the rioters and a general melee ensued with the giant Hercules Mulligan reportedly in the thick of it. The Redcoats charged with unloaded muskets, and soon the hill was covered with a brawling mass of men. No deaths occurred, but the hand-to-hand conflict was very bloody and several serious injuries resulted. The fight became known as “The Battle of Golden Hill” and it occurred some six weeks before the celebrated “Boston Massacre.” New York patriots boasted that it was the first significant encounter between Americans and British regulars where blood was shed. New Yorkers referred to it as the opening fight of the Revolution. #jimmyscornernyc #jimmyscorner #HerculesMulligan #newyorkcity #StandForSomething #wecanbeheroes #newyorkcityhistory #battleofgoldenhill