Breed's Hill Facts for Kids

Breed's Hill, often called Bunker Hill, is a famous spot in Boston, Massachusetts. It's known as the place where a very important battle happened during the American Revolutionary War. Even though it's called "Bunker Hill," the main fighting actually took place on Breed's Hill itself. This small hill played a big part in American history.

What is Breed's Hill?
The Battle of Bunker Hill
Remembering the Battle
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What is Breed's Hill?

Breed's Hill is located in the Charlestown neighborhood of Boston. It's not an island today, but it was once part of a landscape that included several hills. The hill is most famous for its connection to the Battle of Bunker Hill. This battle was one of the first major fights of the American Revolutionary War.

The Battle of Bunker Hill

The Battle of Bunker Hill took place on June 17, 1775. It was fought between the American colonists, who were fighting for their freedom, and the British army. Even though the battle is named after Bunker Hill, most of the fighting happened on nearby Breed's Hill.

Why the Battle Happened

The American colonists wanted to control the hills around Boston. These hills offered a good view and a strong position to fire cannons at the British forces in the city. The British also knew how important these hills were. The Americans quickly built defenses on Breed's Hill overnight.

The Fight Itself

Early in the morning, the British saw the American defenses. They decided to attack the hill directly. The American soldiers, led by Colonel William Prescott, were told to save their ammunition. A famous quote from the battle is, "Don't fire until you see the whites of their eyes!" This meant they should wait until the British were very close.

The British army marched up the hill three times. The Americans fought bravely and pushed them back twice. However, the Americans eventually ran out of gunpowder and had to retreat. The British finally took control of the hill.

What Happened Next

Even though the British won the battle, they lost many soldiers. More than 1,000 British soldiers were killed or wounded. The Americans had fewer losses, around 450. This battle showed the Americans that they could stand up to the powerful British army. It gave them confidence and proved they were serious about fighting for independence.

Remembering the Battle

Today, a tall monument stands on Breed's Hill to remember the battle. It is called the Bunker Hill Monument. This monument is an obelisk, which is a tall, four-sided pillar. It was built to honor the brave soldiers who fought there. Visitors can climb to the top of the monument for a great view of Boston. The monument helps us remember an important moment in American history.