The actual memorial is beautiful and was erected over a process that took 18 years (between 1825 and 1843). It’s surrounded by green grass and, for a couple weeks in June of this very year, archeologists digging to uncover more historical items.
They have stones memorializing exactly where certain regiments were stationed at the redoubt, and a statue of William Prescott.
There are also several placards around the hill telling little anecdotes and fun facts. But–
*record scratch*
The irony of writing this post a bit in advance is that sometimes you have to update because these signs with their anecdotes and quotes are currently under attack by none other than the Coward in Chief. Apparently a visitor complained that a sign referencing women’s suffrage (in which suffragettes looked to Bunker Hill for inspiration) was “woke.” And now, apparently signs referencing slavery are also “woke,” and the park has been ordered to remove these signs by the Federal Government.
Personally, I think those who want them removed should have to climb the hill and battle a motley group of Patriots to do their dastardly tyranny themselves, but what do I know.
Philip Abbott, an actual enslaved man, died there fighting for freedom for others that wasn’t guaranteed for himself. The least these spoiled, ungrateful, petulant people in charge could do is honor his life and legacy rather than trying to erase it.
At least they still have a sign up honoring Peter Salem:
As you’ll see, I’ve a critique of one sign and it’s actually not them being too woke–if anything, the opposite. I just found it odd to have a quote from Phyllis Wheatley, whom they identify as a “slave-poet,” preceding a statement that Puritan Boston had a “remarkable” “culture of freedom.” The irony of having this on the same sign is striking, because it was clearly “freedom for me and not for thee.” Unfortunately if irony was the intent, it doesn’t quite come across.
I doubt that’s getting fixed anytime soon, though. Sigh.
The irony to all of this is that in 1843, notable woke loser John Quincy Adams refused to attend the ceremonial dedication for the monument… precisely because he believed that speakers Daniel Webster and President John Tyler were too cozy with supporters of slavery. (“How could I have witnessed all this without an unbecoming burst of indignation or of laughter?”). Mayhaps fascists could actually learn the history they claim to protect, but alas.
Anyways, inside the museum, they have a fascinating memorial to Black Americans who fought, both free and enslaved. Hopefully they don’t try to remove these.
Salem Poor gets a particular exhibit for himself (as he deserves). They also went into the horrors of slavery with the tale of Jude Hall and his three sons, which is heartbreaking and enraging.
They have images of most of the main players, as well as testimonies from soldiers who were there (on both sides), miniatures of the battle, and some cool historical artifacts.
In addition to swords and cannon balls, there’s an actual British drum used during the battle. It’s kept under thick light-proof curtains that viewers lift to see (to preserve it, and hence no photos). That was really incredible to see.
A 30-second walk from the monument is a small park with a memorial listing the names of every American man killed at Bunker Hill… and then some.
For example, on the left you can see David Kemp, who wasn’t dead (and may have died indigent, traumatized, addicted to alcohol, and abandoned by the system – more later), listed alongside his brother-in-law Peter Fisk. You can also see the name of Philip Abbot, an important character in We Are Not Strangers, on the top right. He’s part of Frye’s Regiment, the regiment Josiah Cairn is portrayed as serving in.
It’s sobering to see the names of all these men who did not survive the battle, and know that so many died beneath the green grass we walk on. And now the very government they fought to establish is trying to stomp on their legacy.
I wish those who prefer to remain asleep would actually sleep instead of trying to punch the rest of us into unconsciousness.
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