The Death of General Warren at the Battle of Bunker's Hill, John Trumbell, June 17th, 1775, Oil on Canvas. Museum of Fine Arts, Boston, Massachusetts.
The Death of General Warren at the Battle of Bunker's Hill, John Trumbell, June 17th, 1775, Oil on Canvas. Museum of Fine Arts, Boston, Massachusetts.
Following the engagement with British troops in Lexington and Concord in April of 1775, local militiamen marched to Boston to support and defend the town. Many of these militiamen would fortify higher ground and take up positions in nearby hills. On June 15th and 16th, 1775, militiamen moved to Breed’s Hill on the Charlestown peninsula and quickly constructed a fortification called a redoubt to strengthen their position. A redoubt (or “place of retreat”) is a temporary military fortification, typically polygonal in shape that serves as a stronghold for military forces. The construction of the redoubt took place in full view of General Thomas Gage and his troops. Gage, the British commander-in-chief, was under substantial pressure to deal with the growing rebellion in Boston and the surrounding towns. He could not let this act of aggression pass and was forced to act.
In the afternoon of June 17th, 1775, Gage ordered his troops to take Breeds Hill. Approximately 3,000 British troops crossed Boston Harbor, formed ranks in lower Charlestown, and prepared to advance up the hill. According to legend, as the British marched up the hill, American officer William Prescott exclaimed, “Don’t fire until you see the whites of their eyes.” This was meant to encourage his men to preserve ammunition for as long as possible.
As the British soldiers approached the redoubt, many were mowed down by a torrent of musket fire. It was said that the British lay dead in the field “as thick as sheep in a fold”. After three bloody attempts to take the hill, the British finally succeeded in breaking through the Patriot fortification. The British ultimately took the hill, but did so at a terrible cost, suffering over 1,000 casualties, including highly respected officer, Major John Pitcairn. Meanwhile, the Patriot forces suffered approximately 450 casualties, including Dr. Joseph Warren.
Though defeated, the Patriots were far from demoralized. Instead, the Battle of Bunker Hill proved that Americans were willing to fight and stand with determination against the strongest military force in the world. Today, a monument stands at the sight of this important American battle and turning point of the American Revolutionary War.
Israel Putnam
Israel Putnam, lovingly known as “Old Put,” hailed from Connecticut and was a senior American military officer who had an active career during the Revolutionary War and fought with distinction at the Battle of Bunker Hill. It is said that while plowing a field with his son in April of 1775, he received news of the Battles of Lexington and Concord. He immediately dropped the plow and rode over 100 miles to Cambridge. Like many American military officers of the time, Israel Putnam was a member of the British army before joining the rebel American cause and would use his experience on and off the battlefield.
William Prescott
Colonel William Prescott of Groton, Massachusetts commanded the American forces at The Battle of Bunker Hill. When news spread of the British plans to capture high ground at both Dorchester Heights and in Charlestown, Prescott was chosen to lead the troops and erect the fortification on Breed’s Hill. He is often credited with giving the order to conserve ammunition by saying, “Don’t fire until you see the whites of their eyes.” Although, the true source of this statement is still debated. Prescott continued his Revolutionary War service until the end of 1776 and also saw service in the defense of New York.
Dr. Joseph Warren
Joseph Warren was an American doctor, and prominent member of many political groups, including the Masons and the Sons of Liberty. He is largely considered to be one of the most important figures in the early American Revolutionary War period. He rose to prominence with his Boston Massacre Day orations in 1772 and 1775. He later served as President of the Massachusetts Provincial Congress and penned the Suffolk Resolves, resolutions later adopted by the First Continental Congress. In Adams & Hancock’s absence, Warren became the leading Son of Liberty in Boston in late 1774, and early 1775 and enlisted Paul Revere and William Dawes for the famous “Midnight Ride.” He was commissioned a Major General shortly before the Battle of Bunker Hill, in which he was killed. His close friend, Paul Revere, is said to have found his remains in a mass grave after identifying the dental work that he had done just a few weeks prior. General Gage said that the death of Dr. Warren was like “the death of 500 men”.
Major-General John Stark
Stark was an American officer who served during the French & Indian War and in the American Revolutionary War. In the months leading up to the Battle of Bunker Hill, Stark was placed in command of the 1st New Hampshire Regiment and mustered his men to march south to the support of Boston, and in response to William Prescott’s urgent call for reinforcements. Stark and James Reed of the 3rd New Hampshire Regiment responded to William Prescott’s urgent call for reinforcements. Anticipating that the British troops would attempt to flank the rebels by landing on a beach along the Mystic River, Stark ordered his men to fortify the low ground and secure any gaps in a perimeter fence and additional stone fortifications. During the battle, Stark’s troops provided covering fire for Prescott’s retreating troops and helped limit casualties.
General William Howe
General William Howe oversaw the British campaign in Boston, which began as an assault on Colonial fortifications at Bunker Hill and Breed’s Hill. Despite winning the battle, it would appear that the responsibility Howe felt for the lives of his men was difficult to bear. He would go on to describe the attack as “a success too dearly bought.” For the rest of the war, General Howe’s confidence would remain shaken, as he received heavy criticism for his decision-making from people throughout the British army.
General Robert Pigot
General Robert Pigot, on the other hand, was highly lauded among British forces for his brave performance at the Battle of Bunker Hill. During the American Revolutionary War, the eventual general would receive a promotion to colonel after he commanded Britain’s left flank, which seized Breed’s Hill. Had it not been for his decisiveness, the British may not have been able to secure a victory at The Battle of Bunker Hill.
Major John Pitcairn
Pitcairn was a Scottish officer who led the British advance at the battles of Lexington and Concord and fought bravely during the Battle of Bunker Hill. Both of these battles were major events in the lead-up to the American Revolutionary War. Pitcairn was considered to be one of the more reasonable officers during the British occupation of Boston and was greatly respected by his men and even his American opponents. Pitcairn was wounded early in battle, yet still bravely led his troops up the hill and through the rebel trenches. Near the battle’s end, he was shot 4 times and fell into the arms of his son Thomas, a Marine who was fighting alongside his father. It is said that when he fell in battle, many soldiers openly wept. Pitcairn would die within hours of the battle and would be laid to rest at Old North Church in Boston.
The Battle of Bunker Hill was not actually fought on Bunker Hill but on nearby Breed’s Hill. After Colonel William Prescott was ordered to fortify Bunker Hill, he decided to fortify Breed’s Hill instead. Later, a British map error compounded the confusion by mislabeling the hills.
The British won the Battle of Bunker Hill, making the monument at Bunker Hill a rare monument to an American defeat.
Bunker Hill was one of the bloodiest battles of the Revolutionary War, totaling over 1,500 casualties between both sides. Although they secured a victory, the British suffered more than twice the casualties of the Americans.
A number of Several British soldiers who lost their lives at Bunker Hill are buried at Old North Church, while the British buried American casualties in an unmarked mass grave.
Dr. Joseph Warren, an American officer who died in the Battle of Bunker Hill, was identified by Paul Revere through a set of dentures he had made for Warren. This is one of the first examples of forensic dentistry in the United States.
Up until the Battle of Bunker Hill, a hopeful reconciliation between the British and the colonists was considered possible.
The money used to fund the Bunker Hill Memorial in 1843 was raised through a bake sale hosted by locals.
Where was the Battle of Bunker Hill fought?
The Bunker Hill battle was fought in Charlestown, Massachusetts, which is part of modern-day Boston. More specifically (and surprisingly to those learning for the first time), the Battle of Bunker Hill was fought on nearby Breed’s Hill.
Why was the Battle of Bunker Hill fought on Breed’s Hill?
When Colonel William Prescott was ordered to fortify Bunker Hill in preparation for a British attack, he made a last-minute judgment call and fortified Breed’s Hill instead, drawing the British to that site.
How many British casualties were there in the Battle of Bunker Hill?
The British suffered 1,054 casualties at Bunker Hill, including 89 officers. This was a tremendous blow to Britain’s morale and expectations moving forward.
How many American casualties were there in the Battle of Bunker Hill?
Four hundred and fifty American colonists were either killed, wounded, or captured at the Battle of Bunker Hill. While this number is significantly smaller than the number of British casualties, the British had much more manpower and were able to withstand the American onslaught. However, British officer William Howe would receive much criticism for his brazen approach and high casualty count.
Why is it called Bunker Hill?
Bunker Hill got its name from George Bunker, an early settler of the Massachusetts colony who stayed in control of his descendants for many years following.
Does Bunker Hill still exist?
Yes! Today, Bunker Hill is a residential area with a church atop the hill. The Bunker Hill Monument is on Breed’s Hill, the actual site of this first major battle of the American Revolutionary War, and is still a major part of the Boston skyline.
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