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Battle of Bunker Hill (actually it was Breed's Hill)

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 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.

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.

Historical Significance

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.

Events Before

  1. British House of Lords rules authors do not have perpetual copyright

    Perpetual copyright, also known as indefinite copyright, is copyright that lasts indefinitely.

  2. Chief Justice John Jay (28) weds Sarah Van Brugh Livingston (17)

    Chief Justice John Jay (28) weds Sarah Van Brugh Livingston (17)

  3. Boston Port Act: Following the passage of the act, the British government orders Port of Boston closed to punish colonis

    Boston Port Act: Following the passage of the act, the British government orders Port of Boston closed to punish colonists for the Boston Tea Party

  4. English chemist Joseph Priestley discovers oxygen by isolating it in its gaseous state

    Joseph Priestley (24 March 1733 – 6 February 1804) was an English chemist, Unitarian, natural philosopher, separatist theologian, grammarian, multi-subject educator and classical liberal political...

  5. Twelve of the thirteen American colonies adopt a trade embargo against Great Britain at the First Continental Congress i

    Twelve of the thirteen American colonies adopt a trade embargo against Great Britain at the First Continental Congress in Carpenters' Hall, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

Events After

  1. United States Declaration of Independence

    The Continental Congress adopts the Declaration of Independence, announcing the separation of the thirteen American colonies from Great Britain.

  2. "Common Sense" pamphlet by Thomas Paine is published advocating American independence

    Common Sense is a 47-page pamphlet written by Thomas Paine in 1775–1776 advocating independence from Great Britain to people in the Thirteen Colonies.

  3. Adam Smith publishes the influential economics book "The Wealth of Nations"

    Adam Smith (baptised 16 June [O.S. 5 June] 1723 – 17 July 1790) was a Scottish economist and philosopher who was a pioneer in the field of political economy and key figure during the Scottish…

  4. Continental Congress creates committee to draft a Declaration of Independence with Thomas Jefferson, John Adams, Benjami

    Continental Congress creates committee to draft a Declaration of Independence with Thomas Jefferson, John Adams, Benjamin Franklin, Roger Sherman, and Robert R. Livingston as members

  5. Continental Congress resolves "these United Colonies are, and of right ought to be Free and Independent States"

    The United Colonies of North-America was the official name as used by the Second Continental Congress in Philadelphia for the newly formed proto-state comprising the Thirteen Colonies in 1775 and...

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Frequently Asked Questions

What happened on June 17, 1775?
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.
Why is Battle of Bunker Hill (actually it was Breed's Hill) significant?
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.

Explore More

June 17 in HistoryYear 1775