Brooklyn | Aug 27, 1776

After forcing the British to evacuate Boston, General George Washington anticipated their next move and rushed to fortify New York City. With its central location and valuable port, New York was a vital prize. Washington divided his forces between Manhattan and Brooklyn, hoping to repel a British invasion. But his defenses were incomplete, and discipline among his largely inexperienced army was poor.

On August 22, 1776, British General William Howe landed his troops on Long Island. Using intelligence from Loyalists, the British marched through the unguarded Jamaica Pass and attacked the Americans from the rear. Fierce fighting erupted near Battle Pass, where Hessian troops clashed with Continental soldiers. A brave stand by 400 Marylanders bought time for the rest of the army to fall back to Brooklyn Heights.

By nightfall, Washington and his men were trapped against the East River. Rather than surrender, Washington ordered a daring nighttime evacuation. Under cover of fog and silence, his army escaped to Manhattan without losing a single life. Though the British won the battle and held New York for the rest of the war, Washington’s retreat preserved the Continental Army—and the revolution.