The Battle of Bunker Hill was fought on June 17, 1775, during the Siege of Boston in the first stage of the American Revolutionary War. The battle is named after Bunker Hill in Charlestown, Massachusetts, which was peripherally involved. It was the original objective of both the colonial and British troops, though the majority of combat took place on the adjacent hill which became known as Breed's Hill.
Death of General Warren at the Battle of Bunker Hill by John Trumbull
The Battle of Bunker Hill by Howard Pyle, 1897
The Bunker Hill Monument
Ralph Farnham, one of the last survivors
The siege of Boston was the opening phase of the American Revolutionary War. In the siege, American patriot militia led by newly-installed Continental Army commander George Washington prevented the British Army, which was garrisoned in Boston, from moving by land. Both sides faced resource, supply, and personnel challenges during the siege. British resupply and reinforcement was limited to sea access, which was impeded by American vessels. The British ultimately abandoned Boston after eleven months, moving their troops and equipment north, to Nova Scotia.
Illustration depicting the British evacuation of Boston
An engraving depicting Ethan Allen demanding the surrender of Fort Ticonderoga
The Battle of Bunker Hill, Howard Pyle, 1897
George Washington taking command of the Army, 1775
