Breed’s Hill was the main site of the 1775 Battle of Bunker Hill, despite the battle’s name.
American colonial forces built a redoubt on Breed’s Hill in Charlestown, across the Charles River from Boston. British troops attacked the position on June 17, 1775, during the early months of the Revolutionary War.
The battle became known as Bunker Hill because Bunker Hill was the larger and more prominent nearby hill, and the name was already associated with the area. Most of the fighting, however, took place on Breed’s Hill.
The British captured the colonial position but suffered heavy casualties, making the battle a costly tactical victory. The engagement demonstrated that inexperienced American forces could resist trained British troops in a major battle.