Monument Ave. at High St.
Charlestown
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The Battle at Bunker Hill was all
over in two hours, yet the repercussions are apparent today as
we Americans continue to enjoy our freedom. Although the new
revolutionary troops lost the hill that day, they gained
confidence and support, and at the same time, dealt the British
a serious blow. It’s just a twist of history that the battle
and the monument that stands today, were both placed on Breed’s
Hill. Too late to change the name now.
Troops from Massachusetts,
Connecticut, and New Hampshire joined together to fortify this
hill against the British. On June 17, 1775 the Redcoats marched
to take the newly built breastworks. Although skirmishes had
already occurred in Lexington and Concord in April, this was the
first major battle of the Revolution.
Atop this hill that commands a
view of Boston Inner Harbor (thus its choice for a command
post), stands a small look-alike of the Washington Monument.
With 294 stairs, it is climbable (there’s no elevator) in just
a few minutes. The view at the top is through narrow slits, but
downtown Boston is visible just across the water.
The National Park Service
maintains a small museum – including a layout of the battle
site complete with tiny soldiers standing in place. There are
complete descriptions of the tactical aspects of the battle, and
Rangers to answer questions. An historic talk, explaining the
battle, is presented on the hour from 10 until 4 daily.
Of interest, particularly to
children, is the musket demonstration at 10:30, 11:30, 12:30,
2:30, and 3:30 every day (hours may vary in winter). A Park
Ranger, dressed in period costume, explains the tactical use and
care of the musket, then fires blanks into the air.
This is the last stop on the
Freedom Trail. A film depicting the scene on the day of the
battle, is shown at the Bunker Hill Pavilion of the National
Park Service down the hill at the Charlestown Navy Yard. Titled The
Whites of Their Eyes (history hints that the famous saying
was first spoken this day), it is the only NPS offering for
which there is an admission charge. If you are not walking the
Freedom Trail, follow the brick line down to the Yard anyway.
The streets of Charlestown have a charm all their own.
If you’d like information on
the Bunker Hill Monument, call the National Park Service
Visitors Center on State Street at 617-242-5642.
Hours:
Exhibit Lodge: Daily 9 - 5
Monument: Daily 9 - 4:30
Closed Thanksgiving, Christmas,
New Year’s Day.
Admission:
Free
