Charlestown History Lesson – The Battle of Bunker Hill

Bunker Hill, a pivotal moment in American history, holds significance as one of the early battles in the American Revolutionary War. Here’s a history lesson!

Background

The American Revolutionary War began in April 1775 with the Battles of Lexington and Concord, where colonial militia clashed with British forces. Tensions had been escalating between the American colonies and Britain for years due to issues like taxation without representation and increased British control over colonial affairs.

Lead-up to the Battle

After the skirmishes at Lexington and Concord, colonial militia forces, known as the Massachusetts Provincial Army, gathered around Boston, then under British control. The colonial forces, under the command of Artemas Ward, began fortifying positions on the Charlestown Peninsula, overlooking Boston. Their objective was to limit British movements and contain them within the city.

The Battle

On June 17, 1775, British troops, under the command of Major General William Howe, launched a frontal assault on the colonial positions on Breed’s Hill and Bunker Hill, overlooking Boston. Despite being called the Battle of Bunker Hill, most of the fighting actually occurred on Breed’s Hill. The colonial forces, numbering around 2,400, were heavily outnumbered by the British, who had approximately 3,000 soldiers.

The British launched two frontal assaults on the colonial positions. The first attack was repelled by the Americans, inflicting heavy casualties on the British. However, due to a shortage of ammunition among the colonial forces, they struggled to maintain their defensive positions. The British launched a second assault, and this time the colonial forces were forced to retreat after running out of ammunition.

Outcome

Although the British technically won the battle by capturing the colonial positions, they suffered significant casualties. The British losses were around 1,000 men, including many officers, which was a high price to pay for what was considered a victory. The colonial forces, while forced to retreat, demonstrated their ability to stand up to the British regulars and inflicted heavy losses on them.

Significance

The Battle of Bunker Hill had several important consequences. It boosted the morale of the colonial forces, showing that they could hold their own against the British army. It also convinced many colonists that independence from Britain was necessary, as it demonstrated the brutality of British military tactics. Additionally, it prompted the Continental Congress to formally declare independence from Britain the following year, leading to the drafting of the Declaration of Independence in 1776.

Overall, the Battle of Bunker Hill marked a significant turning point in the American Revolutionary War, galvanizing the colonial cause and setting the stage for further conflict and eventual independence.  On March 17th, 1776, the British troops were evacuated from Boston via General Washington at Dorchester Heights in South Boston. 

Bunker Hill Day in the Neighborhood

This year commemorates the 249th anniversary of The Battle of Bunker Hill, an important historical event that has evolved into a fantastic celebration of Charlestown’s community, neighborhood, and businesses that takes place on Sunday, June 16th this year. A special thank you to Bunker Hill Associates, Bunker Hill Day Parade Committee, All Roads Charlestown, National Parks Service, and everyone else involved in spearheading this week-long commemoration.  You can get more details about this event here! 

image – Breed’s Hill, as depicted by Don Troiani