Table of
Contents

This lesson is based on the National Register of Historic Places registration file, "Bunker Hill Monument," and historical and modern accounts of the battle. It was written by Sandy Brue, former Park Ranger at Boston National Historical Park. TwHP is sponsored, in part, by the Cultural Resources Training Initiative and Parks as Classrooms programs of the National Park Service. This lesson is one in a series that brings the important stories of historic places into the classrooms across the country.

Where it fits into the curriculum
Topics: The lesson could be used in units on the Revolutionary War or in courses on conflict resolution. Students will strengthen their skills of observation, research, and analysis of a variety of sources.
Time period: Late 18th century
Relevant United States History Standards for Grades 5-12
Relevant Curriculum Standards for Social Studies

Objectives for students
1) To determine how the events in Massachusetts in 1775 united colonial forces in opposition to imperial rule.
2) To relate the events of the Battle of Bunker Hill and explain their importance.
3) To compare Boston and Charlestown land masses as they changed from 1775 to the present day.
4) To investigate their own community history to find out if there was a significant event in the past that united or divided the citizens.

Materials for students
The materials listed below either can be used directly on the computer or can be printed out, photocopied, and distributed to students. The maps and images appear twice: in a low-resolution version with associated questions and alone in a larger, high-resolution version.
1) two maps showing the Boston area as it appeared in 1775 and today;
2) two readings about the causes of the battle and the fighting;
3) one drawing of the Charlestown Peninsula;
4) one painting of the battle;
5) one photograph of a diorama of the battleground.

Visiting the site
Bunker Hill Monument is administered by the National Park Service. It is one of eight historic sites in Boston that make up Boston National Historical Park. The site is open daily, except January 1, Thanksgiving, and December 25. For more information, write Bunker Hill Monument, Boston National Historical Park, Charlestown Navy Yard, Boston, MA 02129, or visit the park's web pages.