Bunker Hill Monument
Monument Square, Charlestown, Massachusetts
Erected to commemorate the Battle of Bunker Hill, Charlestown's Bunker Hill Monument commemorates the first fight of the American Revolutionary War. This granite edifice memorializes a key battle and is maintained by the National Park Service. Stop by on a tour of the Freedom Trail to climb its 294 steps and visit the on-site museum.
The Bunker Hill Monument is a 221-foot (67-meter) obelisk dedicated to the first real battle of the Revolutionary War. You can learn more during your visit by adding a stop at the Battle of Bunker Hill Museum, or by joining an area history tour. If you're visiting independently the sight is a great value, since the monument, lodge, and the museum are all free to visit.
History fans should design an itinerary that includes the Bunker Hill Monument along with key Freedom Trail sights; many are located within walking distance. Boston sightseeing tours and scavenger hunts may include a stop here, and, if you cross the North Washington Street Bridge, you can find numerous historic attractions in the North End. Highlights include the Paul Revere House, Copp's Hill Burying Ground, and Old North Church, among others.
- Wear comfy shoes if you want to climb up as the vertical hike means ascending hundreds of steps.
- The monument's park and square are wheelchair-friendly, but the monument itself is not.
- Save time exploring Boston's waterfront attractions with a sightseeing cruise.
Located about 2 miles (3.2 kilometers) from Boston in Charlestown, the Bunker Hill Monument is easiest to reach by public transit. You can take the bus or hop on the MBTA orange line to the Community College stop. To avoid the hassle of public transit, opt for a hop-on hop-off bus tour, since most include a stop at this historic landmark.
The Bunker Hill Monument holds regular hours seven days a week, and is closed on major holidays. Arrive at least 30-minutes before closing if you want to climb the monument's steps, and expect more crowds during Boston's busy summer tourist season.
Located just steps from the monument you can find the Bunker Hill Lodge and Bunker Hill Museum. Leave time to visit both. The lodge houses a statue of famed Patriot Joseph Warren and a cannon dating to the Revolutionary War. At the museum, you can browse exhibits explaining the battle's history, the monument's construction, and tales of the Charlestown neighborhood.
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