Archaeologists Uncover Battle of Bunker Hill Artifacts 251 Years Later

Archaeologists in Boston have unearthed musket balls, gun parts, tea cups, tobacco pipes, sleeve buttons, and a wig curler from the 1775 Battle of Bunker Hill. Led by city archaeologist Joe Bagley, the dig near the Bunker Hill Monument in Charlestown has also confirmed the square shape of the American redoubt, previously known only from a map. The artifacts, believed to be from both American and British forces, include musket balls that appear to have been fired but missed. No human remains have been found, though a forensic archaeologist is on standby. The excavations are part of Boston 250 Archaeology, a city-wide initiative for America's 250th anniversary, aiming to uncover not only battle details but also the lives of Charlestown's women, children, and Black and Indigenous residents. Artifacts will be studied at the city's archaeology lab and eventually cared for by the National Park Service.