Page "Siege of Boston" Paragraph 1

The siege began on April 19 after the Battles of Lexington and Concord, when the militia from many Massachusetts communities surrounded Boston and blocked land access to the then-peninsular town, limiting British resupply to naval operations.

The Continental Congress chose to adopt the militia and form the Continental Army, and unanimously elected George Washington as its Commander in Chief.

In June 1775, the British seized Bunker and Breeds Hills, but the casualties they suffered were heavy and their gains were insufficient to break the siege.

For the rest of the siege, there was little action other than occasional raids, minor skirmishes, and sniper fire.

Both sides had to deal with resource supply and personnel issues over the course of the siege, and engaged in naval operations in the contest for resources.