GLOUCESTER, Mass. — Prepare to immerse yourself in Revolutionary Massachusetts, as the Battle of Bunker Hill and the surrounding rebellious colonial community comes alive later this month in what promises to be a breathtaking weekend of land and sea adventure, 18th-century battle tactics and living history.
The Battle of Bunker Hill 250 Committee is pleased to announce a historic slate of events on June 21-22 that will bring history to life at Stage Fort Park in Gloucester through its reenactment and commemoration of the Battle of Bunker Hill, which occurred in Charlestown 250 years ago on June 17, 1775.
The events on Saturday, June 21, and Sunday, June 22, will feature over 1,000 reenactors taking to Stage Fort Park to passionately recreate the action of the first major battle of the American Revolution. To capture the true colonial spirit, reenactors will camp overnight on the battlefield in an authentic military-style encampment, and vendor booths will create an 18th-century marketplace featuring replica colonial items, along with appearances from many other historic tradespeople, civilians and more.
For a full schedule of events and visitor information, visit: https://battleofbunkerhill250.com/.
CANNON FIRE AT STAGE FORT — 8:15 A.M. (SATURDAY ONLY)
The 250th celebrations begin as Lieutenant Governor Kim Driscoll, British Consul General David Clay, Massachusetts Senate Minority Leader Bruce Tarr, Gloucester Mayor Gregory Verga and others gather for remarks, which will conclude with the firing of The Parrott, a large rifle cannon forged in 1865 and restored within the last five years.
No spectators are allowed within 60 feet of the cannon. The area will be blocked off during the cannon firing, but will later be reopened. Media will be able to cover this event from the designated media staging area.
THE BRITISH ROYAL NAVY COMMENCE FIRING – 9:15 A.M.
The Royal Navy squadron opens fire on the Americans in an attempt to halt the
construction of the hilltop redoubt and prepare their amphibious assault.
THE BRITISH LANDING AT HALF MOON BEACH — 10 A.M.
The battle begins in the morning hours as British sailors and soldiers form a plan to drive the Americans from their fortifications at Bunker Hill. As they row toward the shore, sharpshooters, who are prepared for their arrival, meet them with gunfire, and the outbreak of the battle ensues.
The British armada includes Schooners Lynx, Lewis H. Story, Ardelle and Isabella, which will be anchored in the harbor.
No spectators will be allowed on the beach. Spectators can watch from the fields surrounding Half Moon Beach. For the best view of the landing battle by water, exclusive and limited tickets are available aboard the Schooner Ardelle, the official REV250 on-the-water partner. Tickets are available here: maritimegloucester.org/rev250sail.
Please note that the waterways around the beach landing reenactment will be closed to vessels during the morning.
After exchanges of gunfire, the scene clears, leaving a number of British wounded. The wounded are carried by stretcher to the nearby fort, where their injuries are tended to.
THE FLANKING ATTACK – 1 P.M. SATURDAY & 12:30 P.M. SUNDAY
The British Marines’ initial attempt at flanking the American fortifications occurs as the British soldiers charge at the Provincials, coming from the beach and meeting them at the rail fence at the base of Bunker Hill, formed for protection after the British troops landed. Through heavy fire, the American soldiers are able to shatter the attack.
Spectators can view the battle in the designated areas along the perimeter of the battleground.
THE MAIN ASSAULT — 4 P.M. SATURDAY & 2 P.M. SUNDAY
With the flanking attack broken, the British soldiers re-group to make a head-on assault at the Americans’ line. In rough terrain and exchanges of fire, several British soldiers are wounded and fall back briefly before advancing in column formation in a final assault. The Americans, out of powder and overwhelmed by British forces, flee the hill, but not before losing innumerable soldiers, including General Joseph Warren.
Spectators can view the battle in the designated areas along the perimeter of the battleground.
ADDITIONAL EVENTS
British and Provincial Camps
Just off the main battlefield, the Crown and Colonial forces will set up camp in an authentic military-style encampment, creating an accurate impression of 18th-century military life. Overnight on Friday and Saturday, they will sleep in tents and make food gathered around 30 fireboxes throughout the encampments.
The camps are open to visitors throughout the course of the day on Saturday until 5 p.m. and 3 p.m. on Sunday.
The Marketplace
Visitors can also experience colonial life through the marketplace, an authentic replica of an 18th-century marketplace. Several merchants will line the marketplace selling 18th-century replica items. The marketplace can be accessed just beyond the gazebo.
Food trucks from local establishments will also be on-site selling food near the park’s western entrance (near the encampment).
Civilian Programs
Surrounding the marketplace, interpreters posing as historic tradespeople and civilians will provide insight into daily life in Boston while under siege. Through a diversity of perspectives across race, gender, class and politics, visitors can learn about the dynamic lives of 18th-century Bostonians, British military officers, and Provincial leaders. Featured figures include Martha Washington, Joseph Warren, Abigail Adams, General Henry Clinton and Elizabeth Murray.
TRANSPORTATION
The Commuter Rail at North Station (Highly Encouraged)
The Newburyport/Rockport line offers easy access to the West Gloucester Commuter Rail Station, which will have shuttle bus service to Stage Fort Park. Be sure to board a Rockport-bound train (not the one going to Newburyport) as the tracks split in Beverly.
Additionally, the downtown Gloucester train station is only 1.3 miles from Stage Fort Park (please note, there is no shuttle service from this station).
To plan your trip, visit: https://www.mbta.com/trip-planner. It is recommended to download the MBTA mTicket app for tickets and schedules.
Driving
From I-95, take Rt. 128 (Yankee Division Highway), then take exit 53 to Rt. 133 and take a right onto Essex Avenue/Rt. 133. Head straight on Essex Avenue for about 3 miles, then take a right onto Western Avenue. Stage Fort Park will be on the next left.
Parking will be available at Stage Fort Park, 24 Hough Ave. for $35 cash only per day.
Other recommended parking locations are:
- Gloucester High School, 32 Leslie O Johnson Road (no shuttle bus service).
- 550 Western Ave. (parking by Magnolia Woods and Soccer Fields).
- West Parish School, 10 Concord St.
- O’Maley Innovation Middle School (access is from Dr. Osman Babson Road off of Washington Street).
- Gloucester Cinema, 74 Essex Ave. (fee for parking throughout the weekend) (no shuttle bus service).
- Kondelin Road (both sides).
Shuttle Services
A free shuttle service will be available throughout the day to transport spectators to and from the West Gloucester commuter rail station or parking locations. Please note that there will be no shuttle service from the lots at Stage Fort Park or Gloucester High School, which are within walking distance of the events.
Shuttle service will commence at 10 a.m. on Saturday and Sunday. Service will end for the day at 6 p.m. on Saturday and 4 p.m. on Sunday.
NEWS MEDIA PARKING AND CREDENTIALS
An authorized Battle of Bunker Hill 250 media credential will be required to enter the multiple media staging area for all events on Saturday, June 21, and Sunday, June 22. Parking passes will also be needed to access any media parking areas.
Media credentialing is managed by John Guilfoil Public Relations (JGPR). All media outlets planning to attend must RSVP. You will be asked to show a valid ID in order to access the media area for the event.
To RSVP, fill out this form. For any questions, reach out to Ben Paulin at ben@jgpr.net.
On Friday, June 20, at 9 a.m., a kickoff press conference will be held at Stage Fort Park, followed immediately by a media walkthrough and media credential/parking pass pickup. More information will be provided in the coming days.
GENERAL SPECTATOR GUIDELINES
For the safety and enjoyment of all, visitors are asked to abide by these important health and safety guidelines:
- Congregate only in designated viewing areas at all times during events. Pay attention to any instructions given by public safety personnel. Do not enter reenactment areas or in any way interfere with events in progress.
- These events are family-friendly, inclusive and open to all. Be mindful that children will be present and refrain from using foul language. Please respect private property and businesses while visiting Gloucester.
- Dispose of trash and recycling properly in the receptacles provided at event sites.
- Public consumption of alcohol is prohibited. Local smoking and vaping ordinances will be in effect.
- Spectators are asked not to bring weapons, flammable liquids, fireworks, tents, canopies, coolers, suitcases/rolling bags, ladders or step stools to any event.
- Spectators are encouraged to use clear bags at all events. Bags are subject to search at any time.
- Do not leave bags or other items unattended. Items left unattended are subject to removal by police.
- Drone/UAV flying is prohibited at all events.
There will be a significant police and public safety presence at all events. Guidelines are subject to change at any time. Safety updates or changes will be shared on the event website and social media.
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