Battle of Bunker Hill Re-enactment

On July 23rd and 24th 2022, the American Heritage Museum hosted its first Revolutionary War Re-enactment based on the Battle of Bunker Hill. Seasoned re-enactors from all over New England came together to recreate this infamous battle that helped change the tide of the Revolutionary War.

The Scenario: June 16, 1775, on the heels of the events in Lexington and Concord that started the Revolutionary War, American troops learned that the British were planning to send soldiers from Boston to occupy the hills surrounding the city. Some 1,000 colonial militiamen under Colonel William Prescott built earthen fortifications on top of Breed’s Hill, overlooking Boston, and located on the Charlestown Peninsula. (The men originally had been ordered to construct their fortifications atop Bunker

Top left photo: The Colonialist “Rebels” ready to march toward the fortified redoubt atop Bunker Hill. Bottom left photo: The British forces make a screaming charge up the slope to overtake the Colonial forces.

Hill but instead chose the smaller Breed’s Hill, closer to Boston.) By daybreak of June 17, the British became aware of the presence of colonial forces on the Peninsula and mounted an attack against them. Two assaults on the colonial positions were repulsed with significant British casualties. But the third and final attack carried the redoubt, after the defenders ran out of ammunition. The colonists retreated over Bunker Hill, leaving the British in control. Over 200 re-enactors participated in the 2022 event. Representing the Crown Forces were the 1st, 4th, 5th, 7th, 9th, 10th, 16th, 24th companies, the Kings Rangers and the 64th Light Company. Representing the Colonial Forces were the 13th Continental, 5th CT, 2nd MA, 1st NY, 2nd RI Regiment, Billerica Militia, Eames’ Rangers, Rehoboth Militia, Peter’s Corps and Hoisington’s NY Rangers. Check our schedule for complete list of 2023 Living History Events at the AHM.

Top spread photo: The Crown Forces march into position as they ready themselves for the final push up Bunker Hill. Photo above: A Colonial re-enactor rests in the shade after the battle. Both British and Colonial camps were set up with authentic tents and accessories, making this a fully immersive living history event. The weekend event happened to be one of the hottest days all summer. The temperatures were in the high 90s! Kudos to all the re-enactors, particularly the British, who were in their full wool uniforms with gear and muskets. In spite of the brutal heat, the battle was an incredible sight.