Bunker Hill Monument, Boston

Bunker Hill Monument, Boston

This monument stands as a tribute to the Battle of Bunker Hill, a pivotal clash fought on June 17, 1775, during the Siege of Boston at the outset of the American Revolutionary War. The 221-foot granite obelisk took shape between 1827 and 1843, using granite sourced from Quincy, Massachusetts, and transported to the site by way of the specially constructed Granite Railway, followed by a barge journey.

It all started with the British attempts to fortify the unoccupied hills surrounding Boston in a bid to gain control over the city harbor. In response, American colonial troops stealthily occupied Bunker and Breed's hills, fortifying them as defensive line. Once the British become aware of this, they launched waves of attacks against the colonial forces and incurred substantial casualties. The battle ended only after the defenders ran out of ammunition and proved somewhat Pyrrhic a victory for the British. Although tactically they won, the battle had clearly demonstrated that inexperienced American militia were could stand their ground against the regular British army.

Curiously, the obelisk stands not on Bunker Hill itself, but on Breed's Hill, which saw most of the action. The Monument Association, having acquired the battlefield site, was forced to sell off all but the hill's summit in order to complete the monument. To reach its peak, visitors must conquer 294 steps, but those who make the climb will be rewarded with sweeping vistas encompassing Boston, the harbor, nearby towns, and, in the northwest direction, the stone spire of Saint Francis de Sales Church, proudly marking the true location of Bunker Hill. Afterward, you can enjoy a picnic in the grassy park encircling the monument, a beloved local spot for soaking up the sun.

Why You Should Visit:
The panoramic views from the top are absolutely worth it, as is the overall historical exploration experience.
If you're following the Freedom Trail, you owe it to yourself to keep dragging along to this.

Tip:
Plan your visit early in the day when you're fresh and energized, or after a meal to ensure you can fully appreciate the sights. Due to significant demand, anyone interested in climbing the monument must initially secure a pass from the adjacent Bunker Hill Museum. These climbing passes come at no cost but are subject to availability; they can be reserved up to two weeks ahead or obtained on a first-come, first-served basis. The museum itself is as a valuable source for exploring the city's history and the Battle of Bunker Hill.

Want to visit this sight? Check out these Self-Guided Walking Tours in Boston. Alternatively, you can download the mobile app "GPSmyCity: Walks in 1K+ Cities" from Apple App Store or Google Play Store. The app turns your mobile device to a personal tour guide and it works offline, so no data plan is needed when traveling abroad.

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Bunker Hill Monument on Map

Sight Name: Bunker Hill Monument
Sight Location: Boston, USA (See walking tours in Boston)
Sight Type: Attraction/Landmark
Guide(s) Containing This Sight:

Walking Tours in Boston, Massachusetts

Create Your Own Walk in Boston

Create Your Own Walk in Boston

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North End Walking Tour

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Historical Cambridge MA Walking Tour

Historical Cambridge MA Walking Tour

Once a quiet New England farming village-turned capital of the Massachusetts Bay Colony, today's Cambridge, MA is a university town that dazzles visitors as the home of renowned Harvard University – alma mater of many intellectuals, literary geniuses, celebrities, and wealthy and powerful. Many of America’s elite have spent some time at Harvard, and their contributions to Cambridge have...  view more

Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 3.5 Km or 2.2 Miles
Bunker Hill Walking Tour

Bunker Hill Walking Tour

Bunker Hill, sitting on the bank of the Charles River in Boston, Massachusetts, is a historic site that holds great significance in American history. At its heart stands the Bunker Hill Monument, a towering obelisk commemorating the Battle of Bunker Hill, a pivotal event in the American Revolutionary War.

The battle took place on June 17, 1775, when American patriots faced off against British...  view more

Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 1.5 Km or 0.9 Miles
Boston Shopping Areas

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One of the top shopping destinations in the US northeast, Boston has a strong network of interesting stores, galleries and boutiques to visit along with its many high-class shops, some of which are nestled inside historical buildings. Shopping here in more than one way mirrors the city itself: an amalgamation of classic and vanguard, the handmade and the high-end, and both local and international...  view more

Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 3.2 Km or 2 Miles
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The United States’ oldest institution of higher education (and, of course, among the most prestigious), Harvard was established in 1636. Reverend John Harvard, who bequeathed his entire library and half of his estate, is the University’s namesake. Presidents, billionaires and Rhodes Scholars are only some of the illustrious graduates; in fact, Harvard has more Nobel Prize-winning alumni,...  view more

Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2.3 Km or 1.4 Miles
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Boston's great churches are among the most precious of the city's numerous architectural jewels. What makes them special are their unique styles, elegant facades and long history.

Starting with the Old North Church, which towers in the city’s North End, this journey surely feels like taking a step back in time. Legend was made there, in the very place that Paul Revere waited for...  view more

Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 3.6 Km or 2.2 Miles

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