Description
History
The Bunker Hill Monument is sited on a hill named Breed's Hill on the outskirts of Boston. This place used to be the venue of the first fight between American and British troops during the American War of Independence. On June 17th, 1775 the battle took place during the siege of Boston. The hills on the outskirts of Boston were seen as a significant strategic point. The battle was finally won by the British after extremely bloody stages of combat. Despite of their win, the British troops lost many soldiers, much more than the American side. Winning the Boston hills helped the British maintain their dominance over Boston.
The battle proved the Americans' perseverance, despite of being poorly armed and hardly trained for military manoeuvres. This made the Americans be even more brave and enabled them to win the war a year later, allowing them to celebrate their first day of Independence.
The monument, which is reminiscent of this very battle, was built in the period between 1827 and 1843. Nowadays, it belongs to the Boston National Historical Park and is part of the Freedom Trail. You first need to take 294 steps to get to see the park. In the late 19th century it was extended by a museum, the Bunker Hill Lodge, which accommodates the statue of Joseph Warren. In order to built this huge monument in the 19th century, the first American railway line, the so-called Granite Railway, had to be built first. The line helped carry the granite for the construction of the monument to the area it was needed and this way sped up the construction process.
How to get there
By car
The monument is difficult to reach by car as it is sited amidst a residential area and therefore parking lots are scarce.
By public transport
Take the orange line of the MBTA (Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority) and get off at the station “Bunker Hill Community College”.
Bear in mind, it doesn't matter which way you come here, nothing will safe you from taking the 294 steps. There is a ramp for wheelchairs, though.