Virtual Tour Detail

John Hancock was reputed to be Boston's wealthiest merchant. A popular philanthropist, he bought food for the poor and donated Boston's first fire-engine.

As a ship owner, Hancock was watched closely by British customs officials and became famous across America when his ship Liberty was seized in 1768. Hancock decided to support the Sons of Liberty but discouraged violent attacks on people. The British came to see Hancock and Samuael Adams as dangerous men.