The Battle of Bunker Hill was fought on June 17, 1775, during the early stages of the American Revolutionary War commemorated by America250.
Although the battle is named for Bunker Hill, most of the fighting took place on nearby Breed’s Hill in Charlestown, Massachusetts. Colonial forces built a fortified redoubt there during the night of June 16, prompting British troops in Boston to attack the position the next day.
The British captured the colonial fortifications after three assaults, making the battle a British victory. However, British casualties were much higher than American casualties, and the engagement demonstrated that colonial forces could stand against regular British troops.
The battle occurred shortly after the fighting at Lexington and Concord and during the Siege of Boston. The Bunker Hill Monument now stands on Breed’s Hill, helping explain why the battle’s familiar name can seem geographically confusing.