American Revolution

The 250th Anniversary Reenactment of the Battle of Bunker Hill seeks to accurately portray the events of June 17, 1775, while honoring the people involved. Our mission is to commemorate the courage and sacrifices of the men and women on all sides of the conflict. We achieve this through careful research, engaging public demonstrations, civic involvement, and meaningful educational outreach.

By sharing these experiences, we aim to deepen public understanding of the battle and bring to life the stories of those who lived it. This includes voices long forgotten or intentionally excluded. When you see us, think of them.

Location and Event Information

The event will take place at Stage Fort Park in Gloucester, MA. For information about parking and shuttles, visit:
https://discovergloucester.com/250th-battle-of-bunker-hill-reenactment-in-gloucester-ma/

Although we would love to host the reenactment in Charlestown, there is currently no suitable location there for such a large-scale program. However, we encourage everyone to visit the Bunker Hill Monument and Museum, located at:
43 Monument Square, Charlestown, MA 02129.

The Battle of Bunker Hill Reenactment

Likewise, our reenactment will unfold in a series of vignettes, tactical demonstrations, and live lectures.

Each morning, the Colonial forces will begin by rushing to build fortifications atop the hill. Meanwhile, the Royal Navy will bombard their position in preparation for an amphibious assault. Next, British soldiers will be ferried ashore to launch a three-part attack on the American lines—ultimately taking the hill after fierce fighting.

Before and after these demonstrations, historical interpreters will portray key figures. They’ll offer insights into how the battle shaped individual lives and our nation’s future. Between battle scenes, visitors can speak with reenactors to learn more about the people they represent and the diverse perspectives of that era.

Battle of Bunker Hill Reenactment: Saturday, June 21

The Navy Approaches

Half Moon Beach
8 – 11:30 a.m.

As the battle looms, the waters around Charlestown neck fill with Royal Navy vessels, sent to bombard the fortifications into submission and land troops for the eventual assault.

Join Royal Navy sailors and the crews of the tall ships Story, Ardelle, Isabelle, and Lynx, as they discuss the role of the navy in the Battle of Bunker Hill as well as 18th-century warfare.

Civilians Under Siege & the Military on the Move

The Marketplace
All Day

The citizens of Boston could watch the Battle of Bunker Hill from the rooftops and hills of the City. They had been under British occupation since the enforcement of the Boston Port Act a year earlier had shut down nearly all commerce to the town causing many to leave.

Interpreters will explain civilian and military life in Massachusetts in the 1770s. Through a diversity of perspectives across race, gender, class, and politics, you will learn about the dynamic lives of 18th century Bostonians, British military officers, and Provincial leaders.

The Preparation

The Redoubt
9 – 10 a.m.

In the evening hours of June 16th, 1,200 American soldiers leave their camp at Cambridge to cross the neck onto the Charlestown peninsula. These hardened men from the country took on the work of fortifying Bunker Hill. As dawn broke, British cannons from ships and Cobb’s Hill (Boston) open fire to try to halt the work.

Join the soldiers as they construct the fortifications with hand tools from the period. Learn about the backgrounds and motivations of these Americans.

The Landing

Half Moon Beach
10 – 11 a.m.

General Gage forms British soldiers from the Boston garrison to land on the tip of the Charlestown Peninsula and form for a plan to drive the American’s from their fortifications on the Hill. As the British soldiers land, sharpshooters from Charlestown take pot shots at them. In response British soldiers set fire to Charlestown to drive off the sharpshooters, additionally using the smoke to mask their movements.

Watch as British sailors and soldiers from Boston land in the harbor in 18th century boats on the Charlestown Peninsula (Half-Moon Beach) forming for their assault on the American positions.

The Flanking Attack

Cressy Beach
1 – 2 p.m.

While the British Marines make a frontal assault on the redoubt as a faint, the elite soldiers of Gage’s force (Grenadiers and Light Infantry) attempt to flank the American fortifications by attacking down a beach on the Mystic River. These soldiers charge down the beach opposed by New Hampshire soldiers under Stark at a rail fence. The New Hampshire soldiers give an incessant fire which shatters the attack and drives back the Grenadiers and Light Infantry.

Watch as Britain’s elite soldiers assault American flank positions (Cressy Beach).

The Main Assault

Bunker Hill
4 – 5 p.m.

With the flanking attack on the beach broken, General Howe rallies the Marines along with the remaining Grenadiers and Light Infantry to make a head-on assault at the amin redoubt and rail fence of the American line. They are slowed in their advance by the numerous farmers’ fences, taking heavy casualties and fall back. Major John Pitcairn of the Marines is fatally wounded by Salem Poor. Howe has his men drop their packs and advances in column to negate American artillery fire. The advance in a final assault. The Americans, having run out of powder, begin throwing rocks in a desperate attempt to slow the British. Out of powder and overwhelmed the Americans flee the hill. General Joseph Warren of the American forces is killed in this final assault.

Watch as American militia soldiers defend their fortifications against the attacking British soldiers.

Battle of Bunker Hill Reenactment: Sunday, June 22

The Navy Approaches

Half Moon Beach
8 – 11:30 a.m.

As the battle nears, Royal Navy ships fill the waters around Charlestown Neck. Their mission: bombard the American fortifications and prepare for a full-scale troop landing.

Join Royal Navy sailors and the crews of tall ships Story, Ardelle, Isabelle, and Lynx. They will explain the Navy’s role in the battle and discuss 18th-century naval warfare.

Civilians Under Siege & the Military on the Move

The Marketplace
All Day

The citizens of Boston could watch the Battle of Bunker Hill from the rooftops and hills of the City. They had been under British occupation since the enforcement of the Boston Port Act a year earlier had shut down nearly all commerce to the town causing many to leave.

Interpreters will explain civilian and military life in Massachusetts in the 1770s. Through a diversity of perspectives across race, gender, class, and politics, you will learn about the dynamic lives of 18th century Bostonians, British military officers, and Provincial leaders.

The Preparation

The Redoubt
9 – 10 a.m.

In the evening hours of June 16th, 1,200 American soldiers leave their camp at Cambridge to cross the neck onto the Charlestown peninsula. These hardened men from the country took on the work of fortifying Bunker Hill. As dawn broke, British cannons from ships and Cobb’s Hill (Boston) open fire to try to halt the work.

Join the soldiers as they construct the fortifications with hand tools from the period. Learn about the backgrounds and motivations of these Americans.

The Landing

Half Moon Beach
10 – 11 a.m.

General Gage forms British soldiers from the Boston garrison to land on the tip of the Charlestown Peninsula and form for a plan to drive the American’s from their fortifications on the Hill. As the British soldiers land, sharpshooters from Charlestown take pot shots at them. In response British soldiers set fire to Charlestown to drive off the sharpshooters, additionally using the smoke to mask their movements.

Watch as British sailors and soldiers from Boston land in the harbor in 18th century boats on the Charlestown Peninsula (Half-Moon Beach) forming for their assault on the American positions.

The Main Assault

Bunker Hill
1 – 2 p.m.

With the flanking attack on the beach broken, General Howe rallies the Marines along with the remaining Grenadiers and Light Infantry to make a head-on assault at the amin redoubt and rail fence of the American line. They are slowed in their advance by the numerous farmers’ fences, taking heavy casualties and fall back. Major John Pitcairn of the Marines is fatally wounded by Salem Poor. Howe has his men drop their packs and advances in column to negate American artillery fire. The advance in a final assault. The Americans, having run out of powder, begin throwing rocks in a desperate attempt to slow the British. Out of powder and overwhelmed the Americans flee the hill. General Joseph Warren of the American forces is killed in this final assault.

Watch as American militia soldiers defend their fortifications against the attacking British soldiers.

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Learn more Revolutionary history in this complete guide to Revolutionary War Sites in New England. Brought to you by the New England Historical Society. Click here to order your copy in paperback, here to order an ebook.

The Revolutionary War wasn’t just fought in Boston, Philadelphia, New York and Virginia. The Cape and Islands also played a role in the fight for independence. Important events also took place on Cape Cod, Nantucket and Martha’s Vineyard. Local people participated in the fight for independence.

This special presentation from the Falmouth Historical Society will shine a light on a lesser-known part of American history. It will cover events and individuals from 1761—the end of the French and Indian War—through 1783, when the Treaty of Paris was signed. Highlights will include the Battle of Falmouth in April 1779 and other local stories from the Cape and Islands.

The Cape and Islands in the Revolution

David Martin, editor of the new book, The Cape and Islands in the American Revolution—The Antecedents, the Rebellion, and the Conflict, will lead the presentation. Copies of the book will be available for purchase.

David S. Martin, Ph.D., is professor/dean emeritus from Gallaudet University in Washington, D.C., the world’s only university for deaf students. Previously a teacher, school administrator and curriculum developer, he holds a B.A. from Yale, an Ed.M. from Harvard, the Certificate of Advanced Study from Harvard and a Ph.D. from Boston College.

In retirement, he is President of the Marstons Mills (Cape Cod) Historical Society, Treasurer of the Yale Club of Cape Cod, and active in the leadership of the Cape Cod Genealogical Society. He teaches part-time in the Master’s Program in Critical and Creative Thinking at the University of Massachusetts at Boston. He and his wife Susan reside in Marstons Mills.

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Learn more Revolutionary history in this complete guide to Revolutionary War Sites in New England. Brought to you by the New England Historical Society. Click here to order your copy in paperback, here to order an ebook.