The American Revolutionary War included many hard-fought battles that eventually helped the U.S. gain independence from the British. The Battle for Bunker Hill was one of the most historically significant battles of all.
It featured one of the most iconic wartime quotes ever uttered and set the stage for the successful Siege of Boston. Despite this, the Battle for Bunker Hill took place so long ago that it’s easy for Americans sometimes to forget just how important it was. It’s often referred to as the turning point of the Revolutionary War.
Find out everything you need to know about the Battle for Bunker Hill below.
This Battle of Bunker Hill painting was completed around 1897 by Howard Pyle was owned by the Delaware Art Museum but was stolen in 2001
When Was the Battle for Bunker Hill?
The Battle for Bunker Hill occurred on June 17, 1775, nearly two months after the Battles of Lexington and Concord, which began on April 19, 1775.
The Battles of Lexington and Concord were the first major battles during the Revolutionary War. They involved roughly 7,000 British soldiers, better known as Redcoats, facing off against about 4,000 of their American counterparts.
These battles started shortly after Paul Revere warned American soldiers, shouting, “The British are coming!” while on horseback. They also featured the so-called “shot heard round the world” that started the Revolutionary War.
The Americans would go on to win the Battles of Lexington and Concord, which made independence from the British seem like a real possibility. The Battle for Bunker Hill would ultimately bring this sentiment to fruition and show that American troops had what it took to defeat their British enemies.
Where Was the Battle for Bunker Hill?
A fun fact about the Battle for Bunker Hill is that most of it didn’t take place on Bunker Hill, which is situated near Boston in Charlestown, Massachusetts. Instead, the majority of the fighting happened on nearby Breed’s Hill.
American generals discovered the British Army was planning to relocate Redcoats in Boston to the hills surrounding the city. About 1,000 American troops, under the command of Colonel William Prescott, hunkered down on Breed’s Hill to await their arrival.
Originally, Prescott was ordered to station his troops on Bunker Hill. But since Breed’s Hill was slightly closer to Boston, he chose it for a better vantage point.
What Happened During the Battle for Bunker Hill?
As Prescott and his American troops had anticipated, the British made their way toward Breed’s Hill on June 17. British Major General William Howe and Brigadier General Robert Pigot led roughly 2,200 Redcoats to start the Battle for Bunker Hill.
From the beginning, the American soldiers were outmanned and working with a limited ammunition supply. This led to Prescott providing his troops with a smart strategy that would later become one of American history’s most memorable battle cries. “Don’t fire until you see the whites of their eyes!” Prescott’s declaration was an effort to preserve ammo.
Initially, the American troops stymied their British counterparts not once but twice and sent them retreating. The Redcoats made it up Breed’s Hill on their third attempt, though, once the Americans ran out of ammo. At this point, the Americans had no choice but to retreat.
Map of the land features of the Battle for Bunker Hill
Who Won the Battle for Bunker Hill?
Because the Battle for Bunker Hill is seen as pivotal during the Revolutionary War, many Americans assume the U.S. walked away from Breed’s Hill with a hard-earned victory. But it was the Redcoats who managed to score a victory for their side by chasing American soldiers from the area.
Why, then, do Americans now consider the Battle for Bunker Hill such a big deal within the context of the Revolutionary War? For starters, there were more British casualties during this battle than American casualties. American troops gunned down about 1,000 Redcoats, killing 200 and injuring 800, while the British troops only claimed the lives of 100 American troops and wounded about 300 others.
One of the many Redcoats killed was commanding officer Major John Pitcairn. Black American soldier Peter Salem, who had been freed from slavery to participate in the war, shot and killed him. This alone led to the Battle for Bunker Hill feeling less like a British victory.
How Did the Battle for Bunker Hill Impact the Revolutionary War?
Before the Battle for Bunker Hill began, it didn’t appear that American troops could keep up with the British Army. Even though they were fighting a war on their own turf, the American troops were outnumbered by the Redcoats at almost every turn. They also didn’t have the experience or strength of the superior British Army.
But the Battle for Bunker Hill proved this didn’t necessarily need to serve as a deterrent for the American side. It suggested that the pride American troops felt while fighting for their independence from the British was enough to overcome their smaller numbers and beat the bigger British Army once and for all.
The Battle for Bunker Hill also served as a wake-up call for the British Army. Some Redcoats no doubt expected the American soldiers to roll over once they realized just how outnumbered they were. But when the Americans stood strong during the British attacks at the Battle for Bunker Hill, it revealed the Redcoats were in for a long, drawn-out war with the motivated Americans.
The Americans would double down on this during the Siege of Boston, which started in April 1775 and didn’t end until March 1776. They felt more confident than they had before the Battle for Bunker Hill, and led by General George Washington, the future U.S. president, they forced the Redcoats to retreat from Boston. This ended the British occupation of Boston, which had lasted for about eight years.
This painting depicts General Joseph Warren, a Founding Father of the United States, being killed at the Battle of Bunker Hill.
Remember Historical U.S. Military Moments With Challenge Coins From Embleholics
The Battle for Bunker Hill is just one of the many historical U.S. military moments that have taken place over the last 250 years. Did you participate in another memorable battle you would like to commemorate with a military challenge coin? Embleholics can help you customize a design for a challenge coin that will perfectly pay tribute to your experience.
Touch base with Embleholics today to receive a free quote for a military challenge coin.
FAQs About Challenge Coins
Do you have questions about challenge coins? Find the answers below.
What Are Challenge Coins?
Challenge coins are small coins with customized designs. They were first used by members of the U.S. Army during World War I, and today, they’re still common to honor U.S. Army soldiers and other military members. They’re also created for law enforcement, firefighters, members of Congress, and others.
How Do I Design Challenge Coins?
You can design challenge coins through Embleholics and our unique custom design process. We can take almost any ideas you have and create the right designs for custom challenge coins. We’ll present drafts throughout the process until we land on one you love.
When Will I Receive Custom Challenge Coins?
You will receive custom challenge coins from Embleholics about 30 days after you get a free quote and place an order. We provide quick turnaround times and free worldwide shipping on coins commemorating the Battle for Bunker Hill and other important American battles.
