Resources to Find Patriot Ancestors
The following resources are provided to assist applicants in researching Patriot ancestors, verifying service, and better understanding the historical context of the Battle of Bunker Hill and the Siege of Boston.
Patriot & Ancestor Search Tools
Americans at the Battle of Breed’s Hill (Compiled Rolls)– A modern, research-based compilation of individuals who were confirmed or likely present at the June 17, 1775 battle, synthesized from historical rolls. Intended as a starting point for identifying potential Patriot ancestors rather than a definitive record.
DAR Ancestor Search – Search a national database of proven Revolutionary War Patriots and their descendants to support lineage applications.
SAR Patriot Research System – A detailed registry of verified Patriots, including service records and genealogical connections.
Battle of Bunker Hill & Siege of Boston Records
Massachusetts Historical Society: Bunker Hill Collection – Primary documents, letters, and historical context related to the battle and the early Revolutionary period.
New Hampshire Soldiers at Bunker Hill (National Park Service) – A documented roster of soldiers from New Hampshire who participated in the battle.
Massachusetts Magazine (Colonel Frye’s Regiment): Publications 1 and 2 – Published historical accounts and officer listings from one of the key regiments engaged at Bunker Hill.
Continental Army Soldiers’ Diaries Index – A curated index of firsthand accounts from enlisted soldiers, offering insight into daily life and wartime experiences.
Lancaster, Massachusetts Revolutionary War Roster – A transcribed list of soldiers from Lancaster who served during the Revolutionary period, including individuals connected to early engagements such as Bunker Hill. (Note: This is a text-based archival record.)
Primary Source Archives & Historical Publications
Massachusetts Magazine (archived volumes)– Digitized 18th–19th century publications containing regimental records, officer lists, and period narratives.
Archive.org Revolutionary War Materials – Scanned books, documents, and historical texts useful for deeper research into individuals and units.
Context & Historical Interpretation
National Park Service: Bunker Hill Overview– A concise historical summary of the battle, its significance, and the broader Revolutionary War context.
Bunker Hill Memorial Bench (Town of Pepperell, MA) – A local commemorative project honoring individuals connected to the Battle of Bunker Hill, offering community-level historical context and remembrance.