American Revolution in Massachusetts

Boston, its environs and harbour, with the rebels works raised against that town in 1775... (Library of Congress)

After learning that the British were planning to send troops out from Boston to fortify the up until then unoccupied hills surrounding the city, 1,200 colonial troops led by William Prescott fortified Breed’s Hill and occupied Bunker Hill during the night of June 16th. The original plan was to fortify Bunker Hill. However, Prescott and the other Colonial leaders successfully argued that Breed’s Hill was more easily defensible.

The British became aware of the fortifications fairly quickly, and prepared for an assault on the Colonists' position the next day. Prescott became aware of these preparations and called for reinforcements.

• The Battle of Bunker Hill
  • From the Library of Congress
• The Battle of Bunker Hill
  • From the Massachusetts Historical Society
• Bunker Hill Monument- The Battle
  • From the National Park Service
• The True Story of the Battle of Bunker Hill
  • From Smithsonian Magazine