Which battle, fought on June 17, 1775, was the first major battle of the American Revolution?

The Battle of Bunker Hill, fought on June 17, 1775, was the first major battle of the American Revolution.

The battle took place during the Siege of Boston, shortly after the Battles of Lexington and Concord began open fighting between colonial forces and Britain. Colonial troops fortified Breed’s Hill and Bunker Hill on the Charlestown Peninsula, seeking to threaten British control of Boston Harbor.

British forces eventually captured the peninsula, making the battle a British victory. However, the British suffered far heavier casualties than the colonial forces. The engagement demonstrated that inexperienced American troops could withstand repeated attacks by regular British soldiers.

Although the battle is called Bunker Hill, most of the fighting occurred on nearby Breed’s Hill. This geographical detail is a common source of confusion, but the established historical name remains the Battle of Bunker Hill. General Joseph Warren, a prominent Patriot leader, was killed during the fighting.