Bunker Hill Monument

about Bunker Hill Monument

The Bunker Hill Monument is a memorial of the Battle of Bunker Hill, which took place on 17 June 1775 between the British army and the militias of Massachusetts, Connecticut, New Hampshire, and Rhode Island early in the American Revolution.

The British army was far more well equipped and well trained than the American militias, however, the famous order of "Don't fire until you see the whites of their eyes" originating from this battle and attributed to an American colonialist demonstrates the tenacity with which the American militias fought.

The Battle of Bunker Hill, which formed part of the Siege of Boston, saw the British gain more ground than the American forces, however this was somewhat of a pyrrhic victory given the over 1,000 casualties of the British when compared with approximately 500 American casualties.

Bunker Hill Monument sits atop Breed’s Hill, on which most of the Battle of Bunker Hill was actually fought, however, the battle is named after the parties’ objective goal, Bunker Hill. Bunker Hill Monument is an obelisk standing 221 feet high which visitors can enter and even climb to the top for stunning views from its observation deck. The only thing is, there are around 270 steps and no lift/elevator.

The nearby Bunker Hill Museum offers a detailed insight into the war, the history of Charlestown and the monument itself, with numerous exhibits and artifacts. Both the Bunker Hill Monument and Museum form part of Boston’s Freedom Trail.