Historical Context
Town in Louisville, Kentucky where the first ever school shooting took place.
The First School Shooting
The First School Shooting
The first ever school shooting recorded was in 1853. William Ward, a student, was punished with a whipping by his teacher William Butler. This was not uncommon for the time period, but was still considered a severe punishment. However, when William Ward's brother Matthew heard of this, he purchased a pistol and shot Mr. William Butler the following day, concluding in his death. This became the first of many shootings and deaths on a school's campus and many similar events have taken place.
The first ever school shooting recorded was in 1853. William Ward, a student, was punished with a whipping by his teacher William Butler. This was not uncommon for the time period, but was still considered a severe punishment. However, when William Ward's brother Matthew heard of this, he purchased a pistol and shot Mr. William Butler the following day, concluding in his death. This became the first of many shootings and deaths on a school's campus and many similar events have taken place.
The Growing History of Gun Violence
The Growing History of Gun Violence
Since 1853 school shootings have increased alongside an elevating number of fire arms deaths in the US. Some of the most reported and most deadly school shootings in history were as follows: Columbine High School (1999), Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University (2007), Sandy Hook Elementary School (2012), Parkland High School (2018), Robb Elementary School (2022). Between these five shootings at least 110 people were killed, and more were injured.