09/27/13
In the Battle of Bunker Hill, the Americans received word that the British were planning to take Dorchester Heights and Bunker Hill. Bunker Hill is in Charlestown, overlooking the town of Boston, and strategically located between the Mystic and Charles Rivers. The British were sniped at by the minutemen on their retreat from Concord, and a 2nd humiliation would not be allowed.
Colonel Prescott was given command of the forces at Charlestown by the Committee of Safety in Massachusetts. His orders were to fortify Bunker Hill and defend it until relieved. After marching from Cambridge he gathered his field officers at the top of Bunker Hill. They decided to build the fortification on Breed’s Hill (un-named at that time, but part of it was known as Breed’s pasture). Breed’s Hill is not as high as Bunker Hill, and is closer to Boston. They worked feverishly all night to fortify the position. A redoubt (earthen fort), breastworks (trench), and railed-fence were hastily built.
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