Battle of Bunker Hill is fought.

Some 3,500 Colonial troops, commanded by Gen. Israel Putnam, repulse two attacks by some 2,200 British troops, commanded by Gen. William Howe, a battle actually fought on neighboring Breed’s Hill. Although the British prevail, on their third attack, their losses (1,054 killed or wounded) are much heavier than the Colonists (627, killed, wounded, or missing), and the Colonial troops withdraw when their ammunition runs out, it is tantamount to a Colonial victory. British Gen. Henry Clinton subsequently calls it, “A dear bought victory, another such would have ruined us.” Colonial Gen. Nathaniel Greene writes, “I wish we could sell them another hill at the same price.” The date is made a municipal holiday in 1912 and a Suffolk County holiday in 1941.