George Washington – Battle of Brooklyn

Dahianna Feliciano

History 20 Research Paper

George Washington – Battle of Brooklyn

The path to revolution was developed slowly over time in America, creating left and right essential key events in history that were being supported by the growing desire of Independence from British rule. One of those proceedings that stained history incessantly was the Battle of Brooklyn Heights, otherwise known as the battle of Long Island. Less than two months after the Declaration of Independence was written this long-awaited dispute began on August 27^th, 1776. The Boston Tea Party was just a minor bump in the road for the British because even though they were forced out of Boston they perused new land in Manhattan. In this time in history where independence was still being questioned the British forces sadly defeat the patriots under General George Washington’s rule making it the first lost Americans had to face in this war for freedom.

Early History

According to Sons of the Revolution’s website, when the Boston Tea Acts caused the British to evacuate the city on March 17, 1776 the general of the American colony who was in fact George Washington guessed where the British were trying to target next. General Washington guessed appropriately by announcing the next aim to be New York. George Washington began his strategic moves by moving a number of 19,000 soldiers to what is known as today as Manhattan. Even though George Washington was considered hardly qualified he knew that if he lost his army during the battle it would mean the America Revolution would come to end.

Forts were built the month of June in northern Manhattan and on Brooklyn Heights across the East River on Long Island. A number of 400 ships carrying 32,000 British men arrived on the Island wanting to invade just as Washington suspected. On the early morning of August 27, the British began to attack on American pickets that were stationed near the Red Lion Tavern found at an intersection in Brooklyn.

David Smith talks about in his book “New York 1776: The Continentals’ First Battle” how the Continental Army was greatly outnumbered and was known to have never fought a battle against established and experienced troops, so they had no choice but retreat in the middle of the day over what is known as today the Long Meadow and down First Street. The Old Stone house was where they fled to but it was a trap. The British were one step ahead and had sent a number of 10,000 troops to the Old Stone house with the hopes of trapping them.

The Continental Army regrouped and retreated over to what is known as today the Union Street Bridge. They managed to escape from the British army who tried to trap them by crossing the harbor from the Fulton Ferry landing in Lower Manhattan. The British as you can see won the Battle of Brooklyn, but don’t forget that because the Continental Army was able to departure safely, the Americans later viewed American Revolution as a success when they won (Sam W. Galowitz)

Modern Times

What has changed since the Battle of Brooklyn or Battle of Long Island? Certainly the neighborhoods are much more different now, because when you look around of course you can’t see the British troops and the American troops but you can imagine the war that took place centuries ago.

Monuments

One day when your curious about the important landmarks this war took place in, go to Battle Pass and observe the plaques mounted there in East Drive, and just walk around Brooklyn. Visit the Old Stone House which was central to the Battle of Brooklyn and participate in some of the event held there, or visit their theoldstonehouse.org. You’d be surprised to also find out that the Trader Joe’s in Brooklyn is a place where some of the battle took place.

Bibliography

Galowitz, Sam W. Revolutionary War, Battle of Brooklyn: Battle of Long Island: the Crucial Battle of the Revolution Where the Americans Were Decisively Beaten but
Created the Basis for Winning the War. Philadelphia: Xlibris Corp, 2007. Print.

     This book provides me with basic information about the Battle of Brooklyn, and the facts and dates of what actually happened at the start of the Revolutionary War.

Smith, David. New York 1776: The Continentals’ First Battle. Oxford: Osprey Pub, 2008. Internet resource.

     This book provides me with information main focused on the British and the Battle of Brooklyn and the events of what the British try to do to conquer New York.

Schecter, Barnet. The Battle for New York: The City at the Heart of the American Revolution. New York: Walker & Co, 2002. Print.

     This book will provide me with further information on the events that followed after the Battle of Brooklyn, and what did George Washington do with his army once they fled from the British towards Manhattan.

“The Old Stone House.” The Old Stone House Home Comments. N.p., n.d. Web. 16 Apr. 2013.

     This website will provide me with information on the old stone house landmark, which was used as a gathering place for the patriots during the Battle of Brooklyn Heights.

“Sons of the Revolution in the State of New York Inc.” Sons of the Revolution in the State of New York Inc. N.p., n.d. Web. 16 Apr. 2013.

     This website will provide me with further information about the Battle of Brooklyn and also about the Sons of Revolution plaque that can be found at the Long Island University in Brooklyn which honors those who fought in the battle.