Nearly 20,000 Gather for Successful Weekend of Battle of Bunker Hill 250th Commemorative Events

Now recognized as having the largest number of participating historical reenactors in New England history.

GLOUCESTER  — Nearly 20,000 people gathered at Stage Fort Park in Gloucester in celebration of our Nation’s history, witnessing a historic slate of reenactments and commemorative events honoring the Battle of Bunker Hill, which took place in Charlestown 250 years ago on June 17, 1775. 

The events were mirrored on Saturday and Sunday, with an overnight encampment on Saturday providing an added bit of history and crowd interaction to the weekend. 

The crowd witnessed a dedicated gathering of more than 1,000 reenactors and living historians from over 100 groups bringing the Battle of Bunker Hill to life through a series of reenactment events and historical setups. The slate of events began on both days with a British naval landing, where Gloucester schooners played the role of British warships, and reenactors rowed to the shore, only to be met with gunfire from the shore. 

“When the British landed and charged toward the shore, it completely transformed the American Revolution, resulting in its first major battle,” said Michael DeKoster, Maritime Gloucester Executive Director. “Because of this historic, unique beginning, it was extremely important to be able to create an accurate picture of events for our visitors. We thank our visitors, who watched from land and sea, for their respect and cooperation in helping that vision come to life.”

Later in the day, the events continued with the flanking attack and then a main attack on the redoubt, as Stage Fort Park was transformed into a battlefield, complete with rail fences, logs, and the large earthen redoubt which was built as a defense from the British atop the hill. 

The reenactments are now recognized as having the largest number of participating historical reenactors in New England history.

“The Battle of Bunker Hill 250 reenactments were incredible to be a part of and to witness. It is always an honor to be a part of telling our Nation’s story, but to be able to do it in such a grand, historical fashion with a group of committed, passionate reenactors, makes it all the more memorable,” said Executive Director of Revolution 250 Jonathan Lane. 

In between battles, visitors got a taste of colonial life through replicated 18th century marketplaces and military encampments, and got to hear from civilians and soldiers about the experiences of daily life during the American Revolution. Thousands of visitors from across the nation and world interacted with the reenactors, in a fun and educational setting for all ages. 

The events were organized by the City of Gloucester, Essex National Heritage Area, MA250, Revolution 250, Maritime Gloucester, Discover Gloucester and the Lexington Minute Men, with significant support from Gloucester Police, Fire, and Department of Public Works. 

“It is a great honor to be able to preserve our history, and the stories of those who fought for and lived through the beginning of our Nation,” said Steve Cole, Battle of Bunker Hill 250 Committee Member and Captain of the Lexington Minute Men. “The success of the events was even greater than what we imagined, thanks to our crowds, who provided encouragement, respect, and curiosity that made the experience that much more meaningful for reenactors and fellow attendees.”

“The weekend was absolutely incredible,” said Annie Harris, CEO, Essex National Heritage Area. “It was amazing to witness so many people and families immerse themselves in history in the spirit of patriotism. We thank everyone for coming, and we hope this was an opportunity for visitors to learn and explore history while having a great time.”

The Committee is pleased to report that between two days of events drawing in a crowd of nearly 20,000 people, there were no significant public safety issues and no arrests. 

“On behalf of everyone involved in organizing the events, I would like to thank all who attended for ensuring that we were able to respectfully and safely come together to honor our history,” said Gloucester Mayor Gregory Verga. “This was an amazing weekend for the City. We are pleased to have been a small part in keeping our history alive, and thankful to be able to do it while creating a family-friendly, safe environment.”