By: HISTORY.com Editors

1780

Earliest documented mass murder in U.S. history

Published: November 13, 2009Last Updated: May 27, 2025

In one of the most famous crimes of post-Revolution America, Barnett Davenport commits a mass murder in rural Connecticut. Caleb Mallory, his wife, daughter-in-law, and two grandchildren were killed in their home by their boarder, Davenport. It would contribute to a change in the way the young nation views crime and criminals.

Davenport, born in 1760, enlisted in the Continental army as a teenager and had served at Valley Forge and Fort Ticonderoga. In the waning days of the war with the British, he came to live in the Mallory household. Today, Davenport’s crime might be ascribed to some type of post-war stress syndrome, but at the time it was the source of a different sociological significance.

On February 3, apparently unprovoked, Davenport beat Caleb Mallory to death. He then beat Mallory’s seven-year-old grandchild with a rifle and killed his daughter-in-law. Davenport looted the home before setting it on fire, killing two others.

His shocking confession prompted much soul-searching in the fledgling nation’s press. Many books were written about the crime, and the perception of murderers began to change in America. Until then, crime was most often seen as the result of common sinners losing their way. But Davenport’s crime and its portrayal to the public caused people to perceive criminals as evil and alien to the rest of society. To some degree, this view has persisted through the years.

Who Was the First Convicted Murderer in America?

John Billington had developed a reputation as a 'knave' among his fellow Plymouth colonists before his notorious conviction.

The first execution in New England, North America of John Billington in 1630.

John Billington had developed a reputation as a 'knave' among his fellow Plymouth colonists before his notorious conviction.

By: Dave Roos

Timeline

Also on This Day in History

Discover more of the major events, famous births, notable deaths and everything else history-making that happened on February 3rd

Related Articles

How Las Vegas Became a Gambling Mecca

It took an influx of dam workers, exiled Los Angeles gambling operators and mob figures to build 'sin city.'

Jack the Ripper

From Vlad the Impaler to Jack the Ripper, meet seven of history’s creepiest figures.

Unabomber Ted Kaczynski- Harvard

Kaczynski, who would later become known as the infamous Unabomber, was subjected to a controversial and disturbing psychological experiment as a young student at the Ivy League school.

Labor leader Jimmy Hoffa (1913 - c.1975)

The search for the powerful ex-Teamster boss stymied authorities.

About the author

HISTORY.com Editors

HISTORY.com works with a wide range of writers and editors to create accurate and informative content. All articles are regularly reviewed and updated by the HISTORY.com team. Articles with the “HISTORY.com Editors” byline have been written or edited by the HISTORY.com editors, including Amanda Onion, Missy Sullivan, Matt Mullen, Christian Zapata and Cristiana Lombardo.

Fact Check

We strive for accuracy and fairness. But if you see something that doesn't look right, click here to contact us! HISTORY reviews and updates its content regularly to ensure it is complete and accurate.

Citation Information

Article title
Earliest documented mass murder in U.S. history
Website Name
History
Date Accessed
August 28, 2025
Publisher
A&E Television Networks
Last Updated
May 27, 2025
Original Published Date
November 13, 2009

History Every Day

Sign Up for This Day in History

Uncover fascinating moments from the past every day! Learn something new with key events in history, from the American Revolution to pop culture, crime and more.

By submitting your information, you agree to receive emails from HISTORY and A+E Global Media. You can opt out at any time. You must be 16 years or older and a resident of the United States.More details: Privacy Policy | Terms of Use | Contact Us