June 17, 1775 Now we are at War! Copyright 2004 by Rebecca Roach

Setting the Stage Due to the blockade of the Harbor, the British move to confiscate arms and ammunitions at Lexington and Concord, and the colonists angry about the British troops…. Tension between the British government and American colonists steadily increased

Map of Boston Area in 1775

Finally, Colonial spies told the Massachusetts Committee of Public Safety that the British were going to ATTACK! In the dark of night, the Colonial soldiers gathered and marched to Bunker Hill. Instead they were on Breed’s Hill. The soldiers knew that by controlling the hill they would have an advantage. The militiamen were led by Colonel William Prescott. By dawn they had to dig a redoubt and a breastwork. A redoubt is a rectangular fort about 160 feet long and 80 feet wide with 6-8ft high earthen walls. A breastwork is a long wall of logs and dirt that provides protection.

Map showing how colonial defenses looked

The colonial patriots had to work quietly so that British would not be warned they were there. By dawn, they had nearly completed the redoubt, but the breastwork still needed a lot of work.

Picture of a diorama of colonial defenses at Bunker Hill

As dawn broke sailors on the British sloop Lively noticed the fortifications and opened fire!! The shots landed far short of the men on Breed’s Hill but scared the militiamen, who ran and hid in the redoubt.

British Fight Back Governor Thomas Gage was advised to be prepared to attack at dawn, but didn’t believe the reports. So he waited. In daylight he saw the fortification that had been built. The British decided to land at Morton’s Point and march up the hill.

Going was slow and the American’s waited for them. Colonial Commander Israel Putnam is believed to have said, “ Don’t fire until you see the whites of their eyes!” This was to remind the patriots to shoot with care and make each shot Colonial Commander Israel Putnam is believed to have said, “ Don’t fire until you see the whites of their eyes!” This was to remind the patriots to shoot with care and make each shot effective. effective.

Painting of British Troops at Battle of Bunker Hill

The patriots shot with deadly accuracy! The British lines broke as one redcoat after another fell! The British retreated. In a few minutes they tried again. Again, the patriots shots were good and more redcoats fell. Again they retreated !

Finally, a third strike against the patriots defending Breeds Hill was mounted. This time the patriots, who were out of ammunition, were not able to keep the British away. In fierce hand to hand fighting many, on both sides, were killed.

The British took possession of Breeds Hill and Bunker Hill.

2400 troops 2400 troops 828 injured and 268 dead 828 injured and 268 dead 1600 militiamen 1600 militiamen 305 injured and 115 dead 305 injured and 115 dead

Although England won the battle it is considered to be a moral victory for the colonists. They had proved that, united, they had the ability to confront the British forces. Many now understood that this was not a rebellion but a war! A war that would be hard, long and expensive to both sides!

Painting of Battle of Bunker Hill

Current monument at Bunker Hill in Massachusetts