Remembering the Battle of Bunker Hill

Written by: Keya Gambhir

This year, the United States is celebrating the 250th anniversary of a very important moment in American history; the Battle of Bunker Hill. This battle happened on June 17, 1775, during the early days of the American Revolution. Even though the British army technically won the fight, the battle united the American colonies and helped kick off the revolution for independence.

What Was the Battle of Bunker Hill?

The Battle of Bunker Hill took place in Charlestown, Massachusetts, near Boston. The American colonists, also called Patriots or rebels, wanted to build a fort on Bunker Hill to stop the British army from controlling the area. But instead of Bunker Hill, the colonists ended up building their fort on a smaller nearby hill called Breed’s Hill. This hill was much closer to Boston, which was occupied by British soldiers.

Because the fort was so close to the British, the British army decided they had to attack and take control of the hill, leading to a fierce battle between the two sides.

Why Is It Called the “Great American Battle”?

Historians say that Bunker Hill is one of the most famous battles in American history. While many Americans might not know about other battles, almost everyone knows the names Gettysburg, D-Day, and Bunker Hill. It was one of the first times the colonists and British soldiers fought in a long, serious battle over land.

Even though the colonists lost the battle and had to retreat, they showed the world that a group of local volunteers, called militias, could stand up to the British professional army. This was a huge surprise and inspired hope for the colonists’ cause.

What Happened During the Battle?

On the morning of June 17, sharpshooters, soldiers skilled in shooting, took positions on rocky hills and fired at British sailors as they landed in the harbor. In response, British soldiers set fires to drive the sharpshooters away and used the smoke to hide their movements as they attacked.

The battle was intense and very bloody. The American forces often lacked organization and were running low on gunpowder, but they fought with great determination. In the end, the British army took control of Breed’s Hill, but it cost them a lot. Over 200 British soldiers died, and more than 1,000 were wounded. The Americans had about 450 casualties, including wounded and dead soldiers. Many homes and buildings in Charlestown were destroyed during the fight.

Why Was the Battle So Important?

Even though the British won the battle, it was still a big victory for the colonists. The British had hoped to quickly crush the rebellion, but the battle proved the Americans were much tougher than expected. The colonists only needed to avoid losing decisively, and that’s exactly what they did.

Thomas Jefferson, who later became president, wrote that the battle showed the colonists could “fight like men,” and this gave them the confidence to continue the fight for independence.

How Is Bunker Hill Remembered Today?

To honor this important moment, many celebrations were held in 2025 to mark the 250th anniversary. In Charlestown, the place where the battle happened, descendants of soldiers who fought returned to visit the site and remember their ancestors. One of these descendants, New Hampshire Representative Stephen Pearson, said that having a personal connection to the battle made history feel real and special.

A reenactment of the battle was also held in Gloucester, Massachusetts, about 35 miles from Boston. Because the actual battle site doesn’t allow reenactments, Gloucester’s state park became the place where people could watch actors dressed as colonial soldiers and British troops perform scenes from the fight. Hundreds of visitors attended to learn more about this piece of history.

Besides the reenactments, some celebrations included trying the foods that Revolutionary soldiers ate. Soldiers back then ate simple foods like bread, cured meat (such as bacon), cheese, and hunks of butter. These meals helped them keep up their strength during the tough battles.

Famous Witnesses and Lasting Lessons

Abigail Adams, wife of John Adams (who became the second U.S. president), and their son John Quincy Adams, also a future president, watched the battle from rooftops and trees nearby. A British officer described the battle’s “shocking carnage” and said he would never forget what he saw.

The Battle of Bunker Hill wasn’t just about winning or losing, it showed the power of courage, teamwork, and standing up for what you believe in. It was a “technical defeat” for the Americans because they lost the hill, but a victory in spirit. The British needed a clear, decisive win, and the Americans only needed to show they could fight, and survive.

Why June 17, 1775, Matters

Julie Hall from the Charlestown Historical Society said it well: “Without June 17, there would be no July 4.” The Battle of Bunker Hill was a turning point that united the 13 colonies and set the American Revolution into motion. After this battle, there was no turning back, the fight for independence had truly begun.

The Battle of Bunker Hill remains an inspiring story about how ordinary people can do extraordinary things when they work together and fight for their beliefs. It’s a story worth remembering as we celebrate 250 years since that great American battle.