The occupation of Dorchester Heights forced the British withdrawal from Boston in March 1776, ending the siege without a direct battle.
Key Facts
- Date of occupation
- March 4, 1776
- British evacuation date
- March 17, 1776
- Destination of evacuation
- Halifax, Nova Scotia
- Continental Army commander
- George Washington
- British commander
- General William Howe
Location
Cause → Event → Consequence
The siege of Boston had stalemated through late 1775 and into early 1776, with Continental forces unable to dislodge the British garrison. Washington's acquisition of artillery captured at Fort Ticonderoga gave the Americans a means to threaten British positions from the elevated terrain of Dorchester Heights.
On March 4, 1776, Continental Army troops under George Washington occupied Dorchester Heights and mounted powerful cannons there, threatening both the city of Boston and British naval vessels in the harbor. General William Howe planned a counter-assault, but a severe snowstorm forced its cancellation.
Unable to neutralize the American artillery position, General Howe ordered the evacuation of Boston. British forces and Loyalist refugees departed on March 17, 1776, sailing to Halifax, Nova Scotia, effectively ending the siege of Boston and ceding the city to American control.
Belligerents & Mobilization Analysis
Side A
1 belligerent
George Washington.
Side B
1 belligerent
William Howe.