Bunker Hill Monument
The Bunker Hill Monument, located in Charlestown, Massachusetts, is a towering structure that stands as a symbol of American freedom and independence. It commemorates the Battle of Bunker Hill, which took place on June 17th, 1775, during the Revolutionary War.
Location and How to Explore
The monument stands at Monument Square in Charlestown, Massachusetts, on Breed's Hill, about a mile north of downtown Boston across the Charles River. It commemorates the Battle of Bunker Hill, fought on June 17, 1775, during the early months of the Revolutionary War. Despite the name, most of the actual fighting happened on Breed's Hill rather than Bunker Hill itself, an early mix-up in reporting that stuck. Today the monument sits within Boston National Historical Park boundaries, alongside the Bunker Hill Museum and the surrounding Charlestown historic district.
The easiest way to reach the monument is by riding the Boston Sightseeing hop-on hop-off bus directly to the Charlestown stop, a short walk from Monument Square. Visitors arriving on foot from the Freedom Trail can also follow the trail's red-brick path straight to the base of the hill.
History Behind the Monument
This pivotal early Revolutionary battle ended in a British victory, but the heavy casualties the British army took while capturing the hill boosted patriot morale and proved the colonial militia could stand up to professional soldiers. Colonial forces held their ground until they ran out of ammunition, giving rise to the famous, if disputed, order attributed to Colonel William Prescott: "Don't fire until you see the whites of their eyes."
The site was first marked in 1794 with an 18-foot wooden pillar, placed by King Solomon's Lodge of Freemasons. That marker stood for three decades before the Bunker Hill Monument Association began work on the granite obelisk that stands there today. The Marquis de Lafayette laid the cornerstone in 1825, on the battle's 50th anniversary, and construction continued under architect Solomon Willard until 1843, a 17-year project slowed repeatedly by funding shortfalls. A fundraising campaign led by Sarah Josepha Hale, the magazine editor better known today as the author of "Mary Had a Little Lamb," helped push the project to completion. The granite came from Quincy, Massachusetts, hauled in by the Granite Railway, one of the first commercial railroads built in the United States. When it was finished in 1843, the 221-foot obelisk was the largest monument of its kind in the country.
What to Explore
Visitors can climb the monument's 294-step spiral staircase for panoramic views over Boston, the harbor, and the surrounding Charlestown neighborhood. There's no elevator inside the monument itself, so the climb is a steady, uninterrupted one. At the base, a granite plinth about 30 feet square tapers up to roughly 15 feet across at the top, a shape that becomes obvious from the inside as the staircase narrows on the way up.
The Bunker Hill Museum, located just across from the monument, is fully elevator-accessible and uses interactive displays, artifacts, and a large diorama to walk visitors through the battle itself. A statue of Colonel William Prescott, sculpted by William Wetmore Story in 1881, stands at the monument's base, with picnic areas nearby for visitors who want to rest before or after the climb.
Nearby Attractions
Several major Charlestown landmarks sit within easy walking distance. The USS Constitution Museum, home to "Old Ironsides," is a short walk away, along with the Charlestown Navy Yard itself, a working historic shipyard with retired naval vessels open for touring. The Freedom Trail, Boston's 2.5-mile red-brick path connecting 16 Revolutionary-era sites, passes directly by the monument on its way through Charlestown. For a full lineup of everything else in the neighborhood, see the complete Charlestown attractions guide.
Frequently Asked Questions
How tall is the Bunker Hill Monument?
The monument stands 221 feet tall. It was the tallest structure of its kind in the country when it was completed in 1843.
Is the Bunker Hill Monument the same as the Washington Monument?
No. They're separate monuments in different cities. The Bunker Hill Monument in Charlestown is 221 feet tall, while the Washington Monument in Washington, D.C. stands about 555 feet tall. Both are granite obelisks, and the Washington Monument's design was influenced by the earlier Bunker Hill Monument.
Where is the Bunker Hill Monument located?
It's at Monument Square in Charlestown, Massachusetts, on Breed's Hill, about a mile from the USS Constitution and the Charlestown Navy Yard.
How many steps are inside the Bunker Hill Monument?
Visitors climb 294 steps on a spiral staircase to reach the top. There's no elevator, so plan for a steady climb rather than a quick stop.
Is admission free?
Yes, both the monument and the Bunker Hill Museum are free to enter. Boston Sightseeing's tour packages cover getting to and from the site, not admission to the monument itself.
Planning a Tour with Boston Sightseeing
To make the most out of your visit to Bunker Hill Monument, hop on to our Boston Sightseeing double-decker bus. Our tour will not only take you to see the monument but also other notable landmarks in the city, such as Harvard University and Fenway Park.
You can purchase tickets for the tour online or at various locations around Boston. Our friendly guides will provide insightful commentary and make your journey more enjoyable.
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