Battle of Bunker Hill
Charlestown, Massachusetts
What happened
Colonial militia led by William Prescott, Israel Putnam and Dr. Joseph Warren fought British soldiers led by General William Howe. During the siege of Boston, colonial militia secretly built earth fortifications on Breed's Hill overnight, threatening the British in the city. The next day British soldiers attacked uphill. The British took the hill on the third attack.
Why it matters
Result: British victory. Leaders: William Prescott / Israel Putnam against William Howe / Thomas Gage. Why it matters: The British won the hill, but at a great cost. It showed that inexperienced militia could stand up to professional soldiers.
What came next
The siege of Boston went on. In 1825 the Marquis de Lafayette laid the cornerstone of the Bunker Hill Monument on Breed's Hill.
Did you know?
Despite its name, most of the fighting happened on Breed's Hill, not Bunker Hill, and the monument stands there today.
Timeline
- June 16-17, 1775Colonists fortify Breed's Hill overnight.
- June 17, 1775The British take the hill after three assaults.
- June 17, 1825Lafayette lays the cornerstone of the Bunker Hill Monument.
- 1843The monument is completed.