Bunker Hill Monument

This monument is at the site of one of the first major battles that took place in the American Revolutionary War.

In 1774, a wooden pillar 18 feet high was built, and then in 1823, it was decided to construct a bigger and more permanent structure to mark the Battle of Bunker Hill. The structure that you can see today was completed in 1882. Bunker Hill monument is a 221-foot high granite obelisk-shaped structure. There are 294 steps leading up the hill where you will reach the base of the monument. The views are amazing and worth the effort to climb to the top.

On June 17, 1775, General William Howe's British troops advanced towards the patriot forces defenses that were positioned on the Charlestown Peninsula. A legend says that Col. William Prescott had advised his soldiers not to fire on the troops "until you see the whites of their eyes." This order may or may not have been given, but it shows the men's determination as they came up against the very experienced and well-trained British soldiers. The colonists did lose the battle here, but they were able to hold off two British assaults and inflicted many fatalities before being driven back.

The monument is set on the hill to commemorate this major battle of the American Revolution. As you climb inside the monument, there are markings along the steps to show how far along you are on the climb. There are glass windows at the top of the monument but no open-air deck to stand on. Upon arrival, head to the museum across the street. This is where you can get a pass to climb the tower. The museum also has some exhibits that tell the story of the Battle of Bunker Hill and the history of the Charlestown community. One of the main features is a 360-degree cyclorama mural of the battle. This is a great historical site to visit, be sure to stop by if you're in Boston.