Dorchester+Heights

toc =__**Dorchester Heights**__=

Dorchester Heights is a historical landmark south of Boston, Massachusetts. Here is where one of the greatest battles in history occurred. This battle took place on March 4, 1776. This land is where George Washington had won his very first battle. This battle eventually strengthened Dorchester Heights into what it is today.

**The Beginning**
Dorchester Heights was first established in the early 1600's. The first known people to have lived here were the Neponset Indians. Over the years many other people began to settle in Dorchester Heights such as the French who came to trade with the Indians and in the 1630's the English colonists arrived. The very first English man who came to Dorchester Heights was John Smith in 1614. Many of these colonists were some of the most honored and influential people of their time.

The Victory
The British and American armies fought for many months after the Battle of Bunker Hill. Even though the American army greatly outnumbered the British, General Washington wanted to attack quickly and get the battle over with, but he had decided to hold off any further attacks. It took a lot for the troops to get ready for the battle at Dorchester Heights but in the end only one was able to win.

Preparations
Before both the American and the British armies went into battle at Dorchester Heights many preparations had been made. Colonel Henry Knox and his troops had brought the American troops cannons in January 1776. These cannons were then taken to the highest point in Dorchester Heights and there George Washington built strong defenses to protect his men. The British on the other hand had prepared to march and take over Dorchester Heights.

The Battle
There was actually no fighting in the battle of Dorchester Heights. The commandeer of the British army was General Howe. When he reached the town of Dorchester Heights he soon realized that he didn't want to fight in this battle. He didn't only just not want to fight but the American troops far outnumbered his own. Instead of fighting, General Howe threatened to destroy the city if he and his troops were not allowed to leave the city peacefully. George Washington had decided to go ahead and let General Howe leave. Then on March 17, 1776 then British returned to Nova Scotia to receive more troops and supplies form England. The American army had won their first battle led by George Washington.

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After the Battle
Just four months after the battle at Dorchester Heights the thirteen colonies had come together to declare their independence and become the United States of America. George Washington was rewarded in many different ways. The Americans made speeches in his honor, congress had given him a gold medal, and harvard had given him a decree in Doctor of Law. Today Dorchester Heights is now a historic park enjoyed by many people.