Copp's Hill Battery

Copp's Hill Battery was a fortified position atop Copp's Hill in Boston, Massachusetts, during the American Revolutionary War.

During the Battle of Bunker Hill, the position was used to fire cannons at Continental forces at Breed's Hill. The cannon-fire during the battle had more effect on the growing city of Charlestown though, destroying parts of the buildings and streets.^[1]

History[edit | edit source]

The battery was built on top of the tallest hill in Boston's North End as a fortified spot to discourage rebels from building their own fortifications on the Charlestown Peninsula.^[1]

During the French and Indian War, John Pitcairn was stationed at the battery by Commander Amherst in order to assist the Templars. At this time, the area was used for the recruitment of soldiers for the British Army, and was given check-ups by higher-ranking officers such as General Edward Braddock. In one case, Braddock was arguing with Pitcairn over desertion, which occurred at the same time that Haytham Kenway and Charles Lee came to pick up Pitcairn.^[2]

During the Battle of Bunker Hill in 1775, the British artillery teams stationed at Copp's Hill fired upon the city of Charlestown and the fortifications of Breed's Hill as a distraction. In the process, they 'leveled out' the town and forced Continental snipers from the area. After the war ended, the battery was put into Continental control, and it was eventually used as a burial ground for dead soldiers.^[1]