Located atop Breed's Hill in Charlestown, Boston, the Bunker Hill Monument is a historic war memorial commemorating the pivotal American Revolutionary War battle fought on June 17, 1775. As the final sequential stop on the Freedom Trail after the USS Constitution, this National Historic Landmark site offers you a deep connection to early American history. At the heart of the four-acre Monument Square Park stands a magnificent 221-foot-tall granite obelisk designed by Solomon Willard.
As you explore the grounds, you can view the bronze statue of Colonel William Prescott, depicting his famous defensive stance, and examine five 1876 granite markers that outline key battle events. To the north, step into the 1902 neoclassical Bunker Hill Lodge, constructed from gray Deer Isle granite, featuring intricate mosaic-tiled floors and Henry Dexter’s historic sculpture of General Joseph Warren. Inside the massive obelisk itself, a 294-step spiral staircase winds around a hollow central cone up to an 11-foot-wide square observation room at the top.
Across the avenue, you can also visit the Bunker Hill Museum housed within the former Charlestown Library to view preserved battle artifacts.
What to see at Bunker Hill Monument
- 221-foot granite obelisk designed by Solomon Willard
- 294-step interior spiral staircase climbing to a top observation room
- 1902 neoclassical Bunker Hill Lodge featuring marble mosaic floors
- Bronze statue of Colonel William Prescott sculpted by William Wetmore Story
- Five 1876 granite markers denoting key positions from the 1775 battle
Visiting tips
Look for the five granite markers installed in 1876 around the park to trace key historic locations from the Battle of Bunker Hill.
How long: 1-2 hours · Best time: Early morning
How to get there & what’s nearby
Bunker Hill Monument is easy to reach on Boston’s public transport, and pairs naturally with Museum of Fine Arts Boston and John F. Kennedy Presidential Library and Museum. For where to stay, the weather and full itineraries, see our Boston travel guide.
See the full Boston travel guide for where to stay, the best time to visit and the top things to do.