S03E03: The Paxton Boys and Black Boys Rebellion

In the aftermath of the brutal and terrible calamity that was Pontiac’s Rebellion the rugged and undisciplined communities of the American frontier rose up. Although often glamorized for their revenge fueled ambitions, the Paxton Boys are now considered as little more than a reactionary mob of zealots. Driven by prejudice, frustration, and misinformation a ragged militia attacked and killed a peaceful community of Conestoga Indians showing no regard for their past history or present humanity. In total twenty people were murdered, brutalized, and mutilated including five women, seven men, and eight small children. While the colony of Pennsylvania debated over an appropriate response the British Empire did nothing, and soon the Paxton Boys began to march on Philadelphia itself. On this episode we discuss the Paxton Boys Rebellion and the Black Boys Rebellion.