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Bunker Hill Flag |
The Battle of Bunker Hill
was the bloodiest battle of the Revolutionary War in America
(1775-1783). More than 1,000 British soldiers and about 400 American
patriots were killed or wounded.
The battle occurred in June 1775. During that month, thousands of
colonists besieged the British Army in Boston. |
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British Lieutenant General
Thomas Gage planned to fortify the hills on Dorchester Heights, south
of Boston. The American patriots learned of the plan and decided to
occupy Bunker Hill, which was on Charlestown Peninsula, across the
Charles River north of Boston. On the night of June 16, patriot troops
moved onto the peninsula from the northwest. They bypassed Bunker Hill
and fortified Breed's Hill, which was closer to Boston. Reserve troops
occupied Bunker Hill.
Early the next morning, the British realized what had happened and
began to ferry 2,500 troops under Major General William Howe across
the Charles. The American troops, commanded by Colonel William
Prescott, faced them from behind a fortified line on top of Breed's
Hill. The British attacked twice, but retreated in the face of patriot
fire. The British charged a third time. By this time, the Americans
were running out of powder and could not get any more from supporting
troops on Bunker Hill. The Americans then retreated from the
Charlestown Peninsula. |
