Bunker Hill Monument

"Don't fire until you see the whites of their eyes!" This order, found in a German Manual of Arms and believed to have been uttered at the battle by Colonel William Prescott, has come to immortalize the determination of the ill-equipped Colonists facing the powerful British Army during the famous battle fought on this site on June 17, 1775.

The Battle of Bunker Hill marks the first time Colonial forces held its own against the British army. Today a 221-foot granite obelisk denotes the site of the first major battle of the American Revolution.

Dearest Friend
Sunday June 18 1775

The Day; perhaps the decisive Day is come on which the fate of America depends. my bursting Heart must find vent at my pen. The Battle began upon our intrenchments upon Bunkers Hill, a Saturday morning about 3 oclock & has not ceased yet & tis now 3 o'clock Sabbeth afternoon. I have just heard that our dear Friend Dr. Warren is no more but fell gloriously fighting for his Country-saying better to die honourably in the field than ignominiously hang upon the Gallows. Great is our Loss.

Abigail Adams, in a letter to John Adams at the Continental Congress in Philadelphia

Bunker Hill Monument
Monument Square
Charlestown
617-242-5641
For group tours call 617-242-5689
Exhibit lodge open daily, 9:00 - 5:00
Monument open daily 9:00 - 4:30
www.nps.gov/bost