Death of General Warren at the Battle of Bunker Hill

Joseph Warren, a popular and innovative doctor who advocated sterile conditions in treating patients and inoculation of small-pox patients, sent Paul Revere and William Dawes on their warning-mission to Lexington and Concord. Soon thereafter, the Massachusetts Provincial Congress commissioned him to serve the American cause as a major-general.

Since that commission was not yet in effect, he fought at Bunker Hill as a volunteer (despite requests from General Putnam and Colonel Prescott that he take command). Demonstrating great heroism, he was shot (between the eyes) by a British officer who recognized him. It was six days after his 34th birthday.

This painting by John Trumbull (1756-1843), now at Boston’s Museum of Fine Arts, depicts the death of General Warren near the end of the Bunker Hill battle.

Trumbull, who became a famous American painter, also fought at Bunker Hill.