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 in school 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.
The Bunker Hill Monument is part of the Freedom Trail, a walking path featuring historic sites related to American independence. The Freedom Trail is educational and easily accessible, making it one of the best activities for kids in Boston.
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.
Wanna climb to the top of the Bunker Hill monument? As of this writing, the stairs are open for visitors from 10 am to 5 pm. Wear comfortable shoes and get ready for those 294 steps!
Other Historic Statues in Boston
Elsewhere in Boston, I saw lots of statues everywhere. Most statues were made to honor important historic figures, but some were not.
Parkman Plaza has three bronze statues of nondescript figures meant to honor the values of Learning, Industry, and Religion. This one is the Religion statue. It depicts a man kneeling with his arms extended as he looks to the sky.
And this one at Faneuil Hall of Sam Adams, who is buried at Granary Cemetery. The hall itself opened in 1743, and Adams made several speeches here, so it’s an extremely fitting location for the statue.
This Adams statue is quite old, having been created in 1880. It’s a bronze statue on a tall granite base.
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.
Boston must be one of the best cities in the U.S. for living statues, since there are so many real statues all around!
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! š
I hate when that happens!
The monument is not open cuz the federal govt refuses to open it saying it’s under repair which it is not! It’s a disgrace people come from all over the world to climb and it’s closed !embarressing
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]. š
We loved, Loved, LOVED Boston.
I want to go back for sure.