Heroes of Bunker Hill – Groton’s 250th Celebration
On June 17,1775, the Battle of Bunker Hill took place. Although greatly outnumbered, the colonial militia, many of whom were Groton Minutemen, inflicted heavy casualties on the British troops. It was the first major battle of the Revolutionary war and proved that colonial troops could stand against professional soldiers. The Americans ran low on ammunition and were forced to retreat, but the high British casualty count bolstered American morale.
British forces were led by Major General William Howe, while colonial troops were led by Colonial William Prescott of Groton, which might explain why Groton suffered more casualties than any of the towns represented in the battle. Those who gave their lives for their beliefs, were unceremoniously buried in a mass grave by the British.
On April 25,2026, using colonial reenactors, we will recover the souls of those who gave all, and return them home to The Old Burying Ground in Groton to be laid to rest with the other 105 Minutemen and Women who set foundation of a new nation through their bravery and heroics.
This ceremony is part of Groton’s 250th Celebration and will begin promptly at 12 noon.
