Battle of Long Island
Brooklyn, New York City, New York, USA
What happened
George Washington's Continental Army fought a British army under General William Howe. A few weeks after the Declaration of Independence, a huge British army landed on Long Island to capture New York. At night, British troops marched through a lightly guarded pass and attacked the Americans from behind. While about 260 Maryland soldiers made a brave stand to cover the retreat, most of the American army escaped to Brooklyn Heights.
Why it matters
Why it matters: It was the largest battle of the Revolutionary War and the first after the Declaration of Independence. It showed Americans the war would be long and hard.
What came next
On the night of 29-30 August, under cover of fog, Washington moved his whole army across the East River to Manhattan.
Did you know?
The Maryland soldiers' stand at a stone farmhouse is remembered at the Old Stone House in Brooklyn, rebuilt in 1934 with some of the original stones.
Timeline
- 1776British troops land unopposed at Gravesend Bay.
- 27 August 1776The British win the Battle of Long Island.
- 29-30 August 1776Washington's army escapes across the East River.