So many places in Boston reminded me of history lessons from middle school – none more than visiting Bunker Hill. I remember spending day after day learning about the Battle of Bunker Hill. So naturally, while I was in Boston I had to visit the site.
The Battle of Bunker Hill was one of the first Revolutionary War conflicts, and a monument now stands there to commemorate the event. It’s 294 steps to the top, though on this day I didn’t bother climbing.
Amazingly, construction was started way back in the 1820s and finished in the 1840s – decades before the Washington Monument.
A small (free) museum sits nearby. Some guy in costume with a musket tells the story of the battle for onlookers, who can ask questions about what happened.
Visiting Bunker Hill
Bunker Hill is an essential part of a Revolutionary War road trip, along with the Boston Harbor, Valley Forge, and Saratoga National Historical Park.
The statue out front of Bunker Hill is impressive, particularly when viewed with the obelisk itself.
Visiting Bunker Hill was an interesting time. The Bunker Hill Monument is part of the Freedom Trail, a collection of historic places that have to do with American independence.
The monument is managed by the National Park Service. There’s a Bunker Hill Museum open from 10 am to 6 pm.
In case you missed that day in middle school social studies class, here’s more about the Battle of Bunker Hill. It was one of the early skirmishes of the Revolutionary War. Great Britain technically “won” the battle, forcing U.S. soldiers to retreat, but the British suffered many more casualties than they expected, so the fight sent a strong message.
Other Historic Statues in Boston
Elsewhere in Boston, I saw lots of statues everywhere. Most statues were made to honor important historic figures.
And this one at Faneuil Hall of Sam Adams, who is buried at Granary Cemetery.
But my favorite statues were the living ones – people who stand perfectly still as if they’re made of stone, only to surprise unsuspecting passersby by suddenly reaching out to them.
Have you ever had the experience of visiting Bunker Hill?
I climbed it once back in 2005, but (thankfully) when we went to Bunker Hill with my family in early July, this time it was closed. Shame! 😉
I hate when that happens!
Great article! Being a history buff myself, I definitely need to go see this.
Thanks, it’s a cool spot to see.
Living statues freak me out. Am I the only one who can’t tell if they’re real or not???
Haha, I love when people don’t realize they are real at first. Watching people get startled is the fun part.
Ah, yes. The living statues of [insert city]. 🙂
We loved, Loved, LOVED Boston.
I want to go back for sure.