The Battle of Bunker Hill was one of the first engagements between the Colonists and British during the American War of Independence. The battle was fought on June 17, 1775 outside of
Boston. The Colonists inflicted heavy casualties on British forces before losing the battle.
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| The Battle of Bunker Hill, by Howard Pyle, 1897 |
The battle actually took place mostly on Breed's Hill, not Bunker Hill.
Before the fighting began Col. William Prescott told his men, “Don’t fire till you see the whites of their eyes.”
Thousands of people watched the Battle of Bunker Hill take place. People in the Boston area sat on rooftops, in trees, on church steeples, and in the rigging of ships in the harbor to watch the American revolutionaries battle the British.
Salem Poor, a slave who purchased his freedom, is credited with mortally wounding British Lieutenant Colonel James Abercrombie during the battle. Poor's valor and gallantry at the Battle of Bunker Hill prompted 14 officers, including Colonel William Prescott, to cite him for heroism.
Thousands of people watched the Battle of Bunker Hill take place. People in the Boston area sat on rooftops, in trees, on church steeples, and in the rigging of ships in the harbor to watch the American revolutionaries battle the British.
Salem Poor, a slave who purchased his freedom, is credited with mortally wounding British Lieutenant Colonel James Abercrombie during the battle. Poor's valor and gallantry at the Battle of Bunker Hill prompted 14 officers, including Colonel William Prescott, to cite him for heroism.
The Colonists lost the Battle of Bunker Hill when they ran out of
gunpowder and had to retreat.
The primary fighting lasted approximately two hours. Despite its short duration, the battle was a significant turning point. The colonists, though ultimately defeated, inflicted heavy casualties on the British forces, demonstrating their courage and resilience. This unexpected resistance shocked the British and boosted the morale of the American troops and their supporters.
The battle also highlighted the strategic importance of fortifications and the effectiveness of defensive tactics. The colonists' well-prepared defenses on Breed's Hill slowed the British advance and inflicted significant losses. This experience would shape future military strategies for both sides throughout the war.
The American Revolutionary War ended in 1781, with the British surrender
after the siege of Yorktown, Virginia.
Warfare is a fascinating subject. Despite the dubious morality of using violence to achieve personal or political aims. It remains that conflict has been used to do just that throughout recorded history.
ReplyDeleteYour article is very well done, a good read.