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The Battle of Bunker Hill marked the first stage of the American War of Independence. Battle was joined on June 17, 1775, during the Siege of Boston and is today one of New England's most important Revolutionary War sites. Boston is one of the best places in the United States to learn about the early colonial and later revolutionary periods of the country.

Commemorating the historic site is the large and impressive granite Bunker Hill Monument (visitors can go inside and climb up - it had been closed due to the pandemic but has now reopened). Next time in Boston, put this historic battlefield on one's bucket list and see how rich the history of Boston is. While today, the Bunker Hill Monument is at the center of Boston; in 1775, it was located just outside the city.

The Battle Of Bunker Hill - The First Pitched Battle Of Red Coats And Patriots

The battle was named after Bunker Hill in Charlestown, Massachusetts. During the war, Boston was occupied by the British. It was found out by the colonial forces that the British were intending to march out of the city and fortify the hills surrounding the city. If the British had been able to do that, they would have had control of the Boston Harbor.

  • Date: June 17, 1775
  • Result: Pyrrhic British Victory

To counter this threat, some 1,200 colonial troops occupied Bunker Hill and Breed's Hill before the British could get there. After learning of it, the British attacked. The British managed to drive off the colonial forces and take control of the Peninsula after they ran out of ammo.

While a British tactical victory, it was also something of a Pyrrhic victory. The British suffered many more casualties, and a colonial militia had proven it was able to go toe to toe with a professional British army.

This marked the first time that New England's soldiers faced off with a British army in a pitched battle. The colonial militia was drawn from Massachusetts, Connecticut, and New Hampshire. The war would continue to rage for years after the battle, but the British were not out to a good start.

Related: History Buffs: You Can, And Should, Visit These US Battlefields

Commemoration With The Bunker Hill Monument

Today the site is commemorated by the famous Bunker Hill Monument. It was built some fifty years after the event, between 1825 and 1843. It is an impressive granite obelisk in Charlestown, Massachusetts.

  • Built: Between 1825 and 1843
  • Height: 221 feet or 67 meters

The monument of Bunker Hill is one of the most important sites along Boston's Freedom Trail. Boston is one of the country's most historic cities, and the Freedom Trail of the points of interest in Boston is a great way to learn about the colonial and revolutionary history of the city.

While there, explore the exhibit lodge and learn about the events of Bunker Hill and see a statue of the fallen hero Dr. Joseph Warren (he fell in the battle). The Bunker Hill Museum was dedicated in 2007 and had many exhibits about the battle.

Related: Saratoga National Historic Park: Visit The Turning Point Of The Revolutionary War

Going Inside The Bunker Hill Monument

Today the Bunker Hill Monument is open to the public, and people are permitted to climb it. Visitors need to be aware that there are 294 steps to the top. Visitors are free to climb the monument if they think they can handle the 294 steps to the top. The stairwell is also narrow and enclosed - it may be difficult for those with claustrophobia. Note that the monument may be closed for climbing in case of inclement weather conditions.

  • Steps: 294

There is no admission fee for entering the Bunker Hill Museum.

Bunker Hill Monument Standard Hours:

  • Sunday: Open 10.00 am to 4.30 pm
  • Monday to Thursday: Closed
  • Friday and Saturday: Open 10.00 am to 4.30 pm

Bunker Hill Museum (July 1 to October 9):

  • Sunday: Open 10.00 am to 6.00 pm
  • Monday to Tuesday: Closed
  • Wednesday to Saturday: Open 10.00 am to 6.00 pm

As of the time of writing (September 2022), the Bunker Hill Monument remains on a modified schedule, and only 20 people are permitted in the monument at any one time.

While the monument itself is not accessible, the Bunker Hill Museum, the Lodge, and the base of the Monument are accessible.