Colonials Hold Bunker Hill: Resilience Against British Fire
Colonial militia forces inflicted devastating casualties on British regulars at the Battle of Bunker Hill (actually fought on nearby Breed's Hill) on June 17, 1775. The Americans, commanded by Colonel William Prescott, reportedly under orders to "not fire until you see the whites of their eyes," repelled two British assaults before running out of ammunition during the third. British casualties were staggering: 226 killed and 828 wounded out of 2,400 engaged, a casualty rate of 44%. American losses were 115 killed and 305 wounded. The British captured the hill but at a cost that General Clinton called "a dear bought victory." The battle proved that untrained colonial militia could stand against professional British troops, boosting American confidence and convincing Britain that the rebellion would require a long, expensive war to suppress.
June 17, 1775
251 years ago
Key Figures & Places
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