On June 16,1775, the colonists occupied Bunker Hill, a high point near Charles Town, which was across the harbor from Boston. The battle that took place there the following morning fueled the colonists' determination to fight. British General William Howe decided to attack straight up Bunker Hill.American Commander, Israel Putnam, knew his soldiers did not have much ammunition. The Americans waited until the Britsh were only 150 feet away before they opened fire. The first and second British attacks had failed but the third succeeded, only becuase the Americans ran out of ammunition and had to retreat. The British won the battle but at a terrible cost. More than 1000 were wounded or killed. American losses were about 400 killed or wounded.
Source: Prentice Hall, America, History of Our Nation (American Cultures Book)
On June 16,1775, the colonists occupied Bunker Hill, a high point near Charles Town, which was across the harbor from Boston. The battle that took place there the following morning fueled the colonists' determination to fight. British General William Howe decided to attack straight up Bunker Hill.American Commander, Israel Putnam, knew his soldiers did not have much ammunition. The Americans waited until the Britsh were only 150 feet away before they opened fire. The first and second British attacks had failed but the third succeeded, only becuase the Americans ran out of ammunition and had to retreat. The British won the battle but at a terrible cost. More than 1000 were wounded or killed. American losses were about 400 killed or wounded.
Source: Prentice Hall, America, History of Our Nation (American Cultures Book)