Today marks the 237th anniversary of the “Battle of Bunker Hill”, one of the first major battles of the American Revolution. When colonial forces learned that the British troops in Boston were planning to take some nearby hills, William Prescott led 1,200 American troops to defend Bunker Hill and adjacent Breed’s Hill. On June 17, 1775 the British attacked the site and, after three assaults, captured both hills. While the British won the battle, their losses (800 wounded and 226 killed) made it a long-term gain for the colonial armies.
Despite the name most remembered historically, most of the battle centered on and around Breed’s Hill, which is now the site of the Bunker Hill Monument. The 221-foot tall granite obelisk (it looks very much like a smaller version of the Washington Monument) was dedicated on June 17, 1843. Visitors can climb the 294 steps to the top of the monument for some very nice views of Boston and the surrounding area. Across the street from the monument is the Bunker Hill Museum, which was completed in 2007 and includes exhibits about the battle, the building of the monument and the history of Charlestown.
Bunker Hill, Breed’s Hill, the monument and the museum are located in the heart of Charlestown, Massachusetts – just two miles north of downtown Boston.
