Battle of Bunker Hill

Or Breeds Hill ????

• On June 16, 1775 Colonel William Prescott led 1,200 men to take up position on Bunker Hill.

Location, location, location

Breed’s Hill

• Prescott sees that nearby Breed’s hill was a better location.

• Has his men dig trenches there.• “Dig men dig.” They dig all night.• In the morning British commander sees the

Americans.• He ships 2,400 red coats across the harbor to

Charlestown.

Imagine if you were a British soldier

• Each British soldier carried a heavy pack that weighed about 125 pounds according to “The American Nation”– 60 pounds according to

Wikipedia• The cross rough fields

and climb uphill.

Imagine you are a Patriot

• Patriots have very little gunpowder• Reportedly, Colonel Prescott says, “Don’t

shoot till you see the _______________!”• The colonist run out of gunpowder• On the third try the British take Breed’s Hill

and Bunker Hill.

Results

British• Claim the victory

• Over 1,000 redcoats dead or wounded

• British commander said something like “A few more victories like this and it could end the British army.”

Patriots• Over 400 die

• But prove Americans can fight bravely

• Showed British it would not be easy

One more try…

• Olive Branch Petition- declared their loyalty and asked the king to repeal the Intolerable Acts (July 1775)