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Today in History: Battle of Bunker Hill - Citizen U Primary Source Nexus

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Today in History-June 17-the Library of Congress features the Battle of Bunker Hill, which was fought on this day in 1775 in Boston, Massachusetts. Find out more in the Today in History section and through the links below. Battle of Bunker Hill maps Battle of Bunker Hill images Battle of Bunker Hill sheet music Bunker Hill (song recording) ...

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The American patriots were defeated at the Battle of Bunker Hill, but they proved they could hold their own against the superior British Army. The fierce fight confirmed that any reconciliation between England and her American colonies was no longer possible.

How it ended

British victory. The battle was a tactical victory for the British, but it was a sobering experience. The British sustained twice as many casualties as the Americans and lost many officers. After the engagement, the patriots retreated and returned to their lines outside the perimeter of Boston.

In context

By early 1775 tensions between Britain and her colonies had escalated. The colonists began to mobilize for war, while the British Army secured gunpowder and cannon in anticipation of an uprising. On April 19, it all came to a head in the Massachusetts towns of Lexington and Concord. After that historic engagement, the British retreated to their camp in Boston, and local militias prepared for future British attacks. Militiamen marched to defend Boston, some from as far away as Connecticut, Rhode Island, New Hampshire, and what is now the state of Vermont.

British Commander-in-Chief General Sir Thomas Gage was under pressure to quash the colonial rebellion. By June, he had reinforcements and was ready to implement a new strategy. The British Army planned to launch an attack against the Americans on the heights north and south of Boston. Details of the attack were leaked, however, and a detachment of 1,000 Massachusetts and Connecticut soldiers-more of an armed mob than a military unit-gathered to defend a hill in Charlestown. Among the defenders were several enslaved and free African Americans as well. The violent clash of these forces on what is mistakenly known as "Bunker Hill" signaled that the colonial revolt would not be easily extinguished.

Before the Battle

The sheer number of militiamen gathered on the hills outside of Boston deeply troubles Gen. Thomas Gage and his newly arrived subordinates, Gens. William Howe, Henry Clinton, and John Burgoyne. On June 15 and June 16, the Patriots move forward to Breed's Hill on the Charlestown peninsula, where they prepare a fortified position that all but invites a British response. General John Stark from New Hampshire recognizes that the left flank of the fortified position is exposed along the south bank of the Mystic River. He and his men assemble a makeshift split rail barricade to blunt any flanking action employed by the British. When the British officers look out at what has been erected in the short span of one evening they are stunned. Gage knows he has to take action.

During the Battle

June 17. On this sultry afternoon, Gage and his commanders order British regulars and grenadiers to move across Boston Harbor and disembark in lower Charlestown, where Gage will force the rabble's hand with an assault. As the British move into position, the fatigued but spirited defenders are on the alert inside their hastily built fortifications.

Led by Gen. William Howe, King George's troops climb Breed's Hill in perfect battle formation. Legend has it that as they advance, American officer William Prescott cautions his men not to waste their powder, exclaiming "don't fire until you see the whites of their eyes." When British troops near the redoubt, the patriots unleash a withering volley, creating an absolute slaughter. One patriot remarks afterward, "They advanced toward us in order to swallow us up, but they found a choaky[sic] mouthful of us." It is a veritable bloodbath as the British retreat back to their lines.

Once more the British push up the hill, stepping over the bodies of their dead and wounded comrades who lay "as thick as sheep in a fold," and again they receive another patriot volley. Finally, on the third try -and just when the patriots run out of powder and shot-the British succeed in breaking through the patriot works. Intense hand-to-hand fighting occurs inside the fortification. The British are victorious but at a cost. At some point in the struggle, a "black soldier named Salem" is credited with killing British Maj. John Pitcairn, the officer despised for allegedly ordering his men to fire on patriots during the battle of Lexington and Concord weeks earlier.

Aftermath

"Our three generals," a British officer wrote of his commanders in Boston, "expected rather to punish a mob than fight with troops that would look them in the face." The King's troops count 282 dead and another 800 wounded. Patriot casualties are less than half of the British total. British General Sir Henry Clinton is appalled at the carnage, calling it "a dear bought victory." Badly depleted, the British abandon plans to seize another high point near the city and ultimately evacuate Boston.

Though defeated, the Patriots are not demoralized. Those who choose to stay and keep the British bottled up in Boston become the nucleus of the Continental Army. The task of transforming the mob into a fighting force falls on the shoulders of Virginian George Washington, who assumes command in Cambridge, Massachusetts, within two weeks of the erroneously named Battle of Bunker Hill.

Bunker Hill: Featured Resources

Massachusetts | Apr 19, 1775 - Mar 17, 1776

Result: American Victory
Est. Casualties: 98
American: 19
British: 79

Massachusetts | Apr 19, 1775

Result: American Victory
Est. Casualties: 393
American: 93
British: 300

Massachusetts | Jun 17, 1775

Result: British Victory
Est. Casualties: 1,532
American: 450
British: 1,054

Related Battles

Massachusetts | June 17, 1775

Massachusetts | Apr 19, 1775 - Mar 17, 1776

Result: American Victory
Est. Casualties: 98
American: 19
British: 79

Massachusetts | Apr 19, 1775

Result: American Victory
Est. Casualties: 393
American: 93
British: 300

Massachusetts | Jun 17, 1775

Result: British Victory
Est. Casualties: 1,532
American: 450
British: 1,054

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The American patriots were defeated at the Battle of Bunker Hill, but they proved they could hold their own against the superior British Army. The fierce fight...

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The Battle of Bunker Hill was the first major battle of the American Revolution. The battle was fought just north of Boston, Massachusetts, on June 17, 1775.

On the night of June 16 colonial forces were sent to occupy Bunker Hill. Instead, they occupied Breed's Hill, a lower hill next to Bunker Hill. On the morning of June 17, British ships began bombarding the colonial forces on the hill. Later in the day British troops attacked. They advanced up the hill twice but retreated both times. The British advanced a third time. The Americans were finally forced to give up the hill because they were out of gun powder.

The British technically won the battle. However, the British losses were so great that the colonies claimed it as a victory. The Battle of Bunker Hill greatly encouraged the revolutionary cause.

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The Battle of Bunker Hill was the first major battle of the American Revolution. The battle was fought just north of Boston, Massachusetts, on June 17, 1775. On the night of June 16 colonial forces were sent to occupy Bunker Hill. Instead, they occupied Breed's Hill, a lower hill next to Bunker Hill.

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Not ready to purchase a subscription? Click to download the free sample version Download sample

In the early stages of the American Revolutionary war, during the Siege of Boston, one of the significant battles fought was the one happened at Bunker Hill, fought on June 17, 1775. It was named after Bunker Hill in Charlestown, Massachusetts for it is the land at stake or being seized by the British Troops (Great Britain)-the American Colonies defended it. However, it resulted to a British Victory. Even though it is named after Bunker Hill, the majority of the battle actually happened at a nearby hill and was later named Breed's Hill.
See the fact file below for more information on the Battle of Bunker Hill or alternatively, you can download our 22-page Battle of Bunker Hill worksheet pack to utilise within the classroom or home environment.
Key Facts & Information

BACKGROUND & PRELUDE

On June 13, 1775, the Massachusetts Provincial Congress received a notification about the British commanders making plans to capture Dorchester and Charlestown.

On June 15, 1775, after being notified about the British Forces' plans, the Massachusetts Committee of Safety decided to build fortified defenses on Charlestown Peninsula, specifically on Bunker Hill. Commanded by General Ward, directed to General Israel Putnam.

On June 16, 1775, after the Colonial forces found out about the plan of the British to deploy troops from Boston to siege nearby hills, 1200 colonial militiamen worked on camp fortifications on top of Breed's Hill under the command of Colonel William Prescott.

Their force was made up from the soldiers of Prescott, Putnam, James Frye, and Ebenezer Bridge, and the unit was commanded by Thomas Knowlton.

This enabled them to overlook Boston and the Charlestown Peninsula.

At first, there was a disagreement between Prescott, Putnam, and their engineer Captain Richard Gridley on where to put their defenses.

Although some work was set on Bunker Hill, most of it was done on Breed's hill since it was closer to Boston and was agreed and viewed to be a more defensible location.

THE BATTLE

On June 17, 1775, Major General William Howe and Brigadier General Robert Pigot with 2,200 British Troops landed on Charlestown Peninsula then proceeded to march on Breed's Hill.

As a response to the British Forces advancement, Colonial Forces' Colonel Prescott reminded his troops to conserve ammunition.

The reminder boosted the troops' morale, the British Troops were blasted into retreat when they marched within their sight.

The strategy deployed by Prescott was redone when the British troops advanced up the hill for the second time.

This resulted in them running low on ammunition.

The third time the British forces advanced up Breed's Hill was successful.

They reached the colonial forces that were now low on ammunition.

This forced the Americans to engage in hand-to-hand combat against the British Forces.

By this point, the American Colonial Forces were already outnumbered which led them to decide to retreat.

Even though the American Colonies were 'inexperienced' and were defeated, inflicting colossal casualties on their side, the Battle of Bunker Hill boosted their morale.

BELLIGERENTS AND PERSONNEL

The Battle of Bunker Hill was a fight between the United Colonies versus Great Britain.

The United Colonies were also known as the Thirteen American Colonies.

They were states who declared war and fought for their independence from being Great Britain's possession from the New World.

The states involved at the Battle of Bunker Hill were Connecticut, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, and Rhode Island-against the ruling Great Britain.

The leaders and commanders on the side of the United Colonies were William Prescott, Israel Putnam, Joseph Warren, and John Stark.

The forces of Great Britain were led by William Howe, Thomas Gage, Sir Robert Pigot, James Abercrombie, Henry Clinton, Samuel Graves, and John Pitcairn.

An estimate of 2,400 men fought for the United Colonies.

An estimate of 3,000 men fought for Great Britain.

AFTERMATH AND CASUALTIES

The significance of the Battle of Bunker Hill was that it built the American Colonies' morale.

In spite of losing against Britain, it made them believe that Britain could be thrown out by their patriotic dedication.

The order of Colonel William Prescott - "Don't fire until you see the whites of their eyes!" - popularized the Battle of Bunker Hill.

In 1843, a 221-foot all-granite obelisk was built as a monument for to the Battle of Bunker Hill yet it was located on Breed's Hill.

The recorded casualties on the side of the American Colonies counts up to 450.

115 were killed, 305 were wounded, and 30 were captured of which 20 of them died.

On the side of Great Britain was a total of 1,054 casualties - 19 officers were killed, 62 officers were wounded, 207 soldiers killed, and 766 soldiers were wounded.

Battle of Bunker Hill Worksheets

This is a fantastic bundle which includes everything you need to know about Battle of Bunker Hill across 22 in-depth pages. These are ready-to-use Battle of Bunker Hill worksheets that are perfect for teaching students about the one of the significant battles in the early stages of the American Revolutionary war, during the Siege of Boston, which happened at Bunker Hill, fought on June 17, 1775. It was named after Bunker Hill in Charlestown, Massachusetts for it is the land at stake or being seized by the British Troops (Great Britain)-the American Colonies defended it. However, it resulted to a British Victory. Even though it is named after Bunker Hill, the majority of the battle actually happened at a nearby hill and was later named Breed's Hill.

Complete List Of Included Worksheets

Revolutionary War: Battle of Bunker Hill Facts

Multiple Choice

Prelude Timeline

June 17th Events

Sort The Soldiers

All About Bunker Hill

Strategy Assessment

Battle Aftermath

Encouraging Orders

Alternate Ending

Battles Collage

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Link will appear as Battle of Bunker Hill Facts & Worksheets: https://kidskonnect.com - KidsKonnect, April 29, 2019
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Battle of Bunker Hill Facts, Worksheets, Background & Prelude For Kids

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Not ready to purchase a subscription? Click to download the free sample version Download sample In the early stages of the American Revolutionary war, during the Siege of Boston, one of the significant battles fought was the one happened at Bunker Hill, fought on June 17, 1775.

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The Battle of Bunker Hill was fought on Saturday 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 in the battle. It was the original objective of both the colonial and British troops, though the majority of combat took place on the adjacent hill which later became known as Breed's Hill.

On June 13, 1775, the leaders of the colonial forces besieging Boston learned that the British were planning to send troops out from the city to fortify the unoccupied hills surrounding the city, which would give them control of Boston Harbor. In response, 1,200 colonial troops under the command of William Prescott stealthily occupied Bunker Hill and Breed's Hill. During the night, the colonists constructed a strong redoubt on Breed's Hill, as well as smaller fortified lines across the Charlestown Peninsula.

By daybreak of June 17, the British became aware of the presence of colonial forces on the Peninsula and mounted an attack against them that day. Two assaults on the colonial positions were repulsed with significant British casualties; the third and final attack carried the redoubt after the defenders ran out of ammunition. The colonists retreated over Bunker Hill, leaving the British in control of the Peninsula.

The battle was a tactical, though somewhat Pyrrhic, victory for the British, as it proved to be a sobering experience for them; the British incurred many more casualties than the Americans had sustained, including many officers. The battle had demonstrated that inexperienced militia were able to stand up to regular army troops in battle. Subsequently, the battle discouraged the British from any further frontal attacks against well defended front lines. American casualties were comparatively much fewer, although their losses included General Joseph Warren and Major Andrew McClary, the final casualty of the battle.

The battle led the British to adopt a more cautious planning and maneuver execution in future engagements, which was evident in the subsequent New York and New Jersey campaign, which arguably helped rather than hindered the American forces, as their new approach to battle was actually giving the Americans greater opportunity to retreat if defeat was imminent. The costly engagement also convinced the British of the need to hire substantial numbers of Hessian auxiliaries to bolster their strength in the face of the new and formidable Continental Army.

Interesting facts about the Battle for Bunker Hill

Most of the battle wasn't actually fought on Bunker Hill but Breed's Hill just to the south.

Major John Simpson (December 1, 1748 - October 28, 1825) was an American Revolutionary War soldier who was one of several men described as having fired the first shot on the American side at the Battle of Bunker Hill.

1,054 redcoats (British soldiers) died at Bunker Hill.

The reason the British won the battle was because the colonists ran out of ammunition and gunpowder.

The colonists used muskets and guns and the British used muskets and bayonets.

Even though the colonists lost it gave them a sense of hope and made them feel they were capable of beating the British.

Colonel William Prescott, who was in charge of the colonist forces said "Do not fire until you see the whites of their eyes", so the patriots wouldn't waste their ammunition and were able to hit their targets.

Images for kids

In Spanish: Batalla de Bunker Hill para niños

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Learn Battle of Bunker Hill facts for kids

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History >> American Revolution

The Battle of Bunker Hill took place on June 17, 1775, just a few months after the start of the American Revolutionary War.

Battle of Bunker Hill by Pyle

Boston was being besieged by thousands of American militia. The British were trying to keep control of the city and control its valuable seaport. The British decided to take two hills, Bunker Hill and Breed's Hill, in order to gain a tactical advantage. The American forces heard about it and went to defend the hills.

Where did the battle take place?

This seems like the easiest question ever, doesn't it? Well, not really. There were two hills that the British wanted to take in order to be able to bombard the Americans from a distance. These were Breed's Hill and Bunker Hill. The Battle of Bunker Hill actually took place mostly on Breed's Hill. It's only called the Battle of Bunker Hill because the army thought they were on Bunker Hill. Sort of a funny mistake and it makes for a good trick question.

Bunker Hill Monument by Ducksters
You can visit Bunker Hill and climb to the top of
the monument for a view of the city of Boston

The Leaders

The British were led up the hill by General William Howe. The Americans were led by Colonel William Prescott. Maybe this should have been called the Battle of the Williams! Major John Pitcairn was also one of the British leaders. He was in command of the troops that started the fighting at Lexington that began the Revolutionary War. From the American side, Israel Putnam was the General in charge. Also, leading patriot Dr. Joseph Warren was part of the battle. He was killed during the fighting.

What happened at the battle?

The American forces learned that the British were planning on taking over the hills around Boston in order to gain a tactical advantage. As a result of this information, the Americans secretly moved their troops onto Bunker and Breed's Hill, two unoccupied hills just outside of Boston in Charlestown, Massachusetts. They built up fortifications during the night and prepared for battle.

The next day, when the British realized what had happened, the British attacked. Their commander William Howe led three charges up Breed's Hill. The Americans fought back the first two charges, but started to run out of ammunition and had to retreat at the third charge. The British gained the hill, but their costs were great. Around 226 British were killed and 800 wounded while the Americans did not suffer nearly as many casualties.

Battle Map - Click to see larger picture

Result of the Battle

Although the British won the battle and gained control of the hills, they paid a heavy price. They lost hundreds of soldiers including several officers. This gave the Americans the courage and confidence that they could stand up to the British in battle. Many more colonists joined the army after this battle and the revolution continued to grow in strength.

Bunker Hill Cannon Ball by Ducksters
A cannon ball dug up from Bunker Hill

Interesting Facts about The Battle of Bunker Hill

Because the Americans were low on ammunition, they were told "Don't fire until you see the whites of their eyes."

The American troops worked hard during the night building up the defenses. Much of the wall they built, called a redoubt, was nearly 6 feet high.

Future President of the United States, John Quincy Adams, watched the battle from a nearby hill with his mother Abigail Adams. He was seven years old at the time.

The British suffered the most casualties of any single fight during the American Revolutionary War.

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History >> American Revolution

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Kids learn about the Battle of Bunker Hill major event in the American Revolutionary War.

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Battle of Bunker Hill (American Revolution)