Boston Campaign > Fortification of Dorchester Heights
Fortification of Dorchester Heights
Background
The Fortification of Dorchester Heights was a decisive action early in the American Revolutionary War that precipitated the end of the siege of Boston and the withdrawal of British troops from that city.
On March 4, 1776, troops from the Continental Army under George Washington's command occupied Dorchester Heights, a series of low hills with a commanding view of Boston and its harbor, and mounted powerful cannons there. General William Howe, commander of the British forces occupying the city, considered contesting this act, as the cannon threatened the town and the military ships in the harbor. After a snowstorm prevented execution of his plans, however, Howe chose to withdraw from the city. The British forces, accompanied by Loyalists who had fled to the city during the siege, left the city on March 17 and sailed to Halifax, Nova Scotia.
Boston Campaign Battles
- Battle of Bunker Hill
- Battle of Chelsea Creek
- Battle of Gloucester
- Battle of Machias
- Battles of Lexington and Concord
- Burning of Falmouth
- Fortification of Dorchester Heights
- Knox Expedition
- Paul Revere's Ride
