The Battle of Long Island, also known as the Battle of Brooklyn and the Battle of Brooklyn Heights, was an action of the American Revolutionary War fought on August 27, 1776, at the western edge of Long Island in the present-day Brooklyn, New York. The British defeated the Americans and gained access to the strategically important Port of New York, which they held for the rest of the war. It was the first major battle to take place after the United States declared its independence on July 4, and
What was the impact the Battle of Long Island have?
The Battle of Long Island was a decisive victory for the British. George Washington and the Continental Army were eventually forced to retreat all the way to Pennsylvania. The British remained in control of New York City for the rest of the Revolutionary War. Interesting Facts about the Battle of Long Island.
What was the significance of the Battle of Long Island?
Battle of Long Island - Important Battles Throughout History
- Historical Significance and Legacy. The battle marked the beginning of the war. ...
- Outcome. The Battle of Long Island was the largest battle ever fought in North America. ...
- Description of the Engagement. ...
- Makeup of the Forces. ...
- Background. ...
Why did the Battle of Long Island start?
The reason how the Battle of Long Island started was because George Washington was hoping to stop the British from seizing New York. They were trying to defend the city. But, the British outnumbered and surrounded George Washington's troops. The British was commanded By William Richard Howe, brother of General Howe.
How many casualties did the Battle of Long Island have?
The American army was defeated in Long Island, and Washington bore the loss of more than 300 troops killed, 700 wounded and nearly 1000 captured. Sullivan and Stirling were captured by the British. The casualties for the Brits were relatively less with 64 killed, 31 missing, and 293 wounded.
What happened at Long Island during the Revolutionary War?
After defeating the British in the siege of Boston on March 17, commander-in-chief George Washington relocated the Continental Army to defend the port city of New York, located at the southern end of Manhattan Island....Battle of Long Island64 killed 293 wounded 31 missing2,179 killed, wounded or captured11 more rows
What happened in the beginning of the Battle of Long Island?
August 27, 1776Battle of Long Island / Start date
What major decision was made during the Battle of Long Island?
Winner of the Battle of Long Island: The British won the battle of Long Island, driving the Americans from Brooklyn and forcing them to evacuate New York.
Why did the Battle of Long Island happen?
On August 27, 1776 the British Army successfully moved against the American Continental Army led by George Washington. The battlewas part of aBritish campaign to seize control of New York and thereby isolate New England from the rest of the colonies.
Where did the Battle of Long Island happen?
BrooklynLong IslandBattle of Long Island/Locations
What was the significance of the Battle of Long Island quizlet?
The significance was the British gained control of New York and captured Long Island, but Washington's army got away thus prolonging the war.
What saved Washington at the Battle of Long Island?
As darkness fell upon the two armies, it began to rain. This slowed down the British advance and allowed Washington time to scramble as many boats as possible to evacuate his 9,000 Continental soldiers back across the East River to Manhattan overnight.
What was the bloodiest Battle in the Revolutionary War?
The Battle of Oriskany was a significant engagement of the Saratoga campaign of the American Revolutionary War, and one of the bloodiest battles in the conflict between the Colonials and Great Britain....Battle of Oriskany.DateAugust 6, 1777ResultIndecisive American relief force blocked British offensive eventually repulsed1 more row
How many troops were in the Battle of Long Island?
Washington received word of the landings the same day, but was informed that the number was 8,000 to 9,000 troops.
How many British troops landed on Long Island?
At 05:10 on August 22, an advance guard of 4,000 British troops left Staten Island under the command of Clinton and Cornwallis to land on Long Island. At 08:00, all 4,000 troops landed unopposed on the shore of Gravesend Bay.
How long did Stirling hold the line against Grant?
Stirling still held the line against Grant on the American right, to the west. He held on for four hours, still unaware of the British flanking maneuver, and some of his own troops thought that they were winning the day because the British had been unable to take their position. However, Grant was reinforced by 2,000 marines, and he hit Stirling's center by 11:00, and Stirling was attacked on his left by the Hessians. Stirling pulled back, but British troops were coming at him from the rear, south down the Gowanus Road. The only escape route left was across Brouwer's millpond on the Gowanus Creek which was 80 yards wide, on the other side of Brooklyn Heights.
What was the American plan for the Battle of Brooklyn?
The American plan was for Putnam to direct the defenses from Brooklyn Heights, while Sullivan and Stirling and their troops would be stationed on the Guan Heights. The Guan (hills) were up to 150 feet high and blocked the most direct route to Brooklyn Heights. Washington believed that, by stationing men on the heights, heavy casualties could be inflicted on the British before the troops fell back to the main defenses at Brooklyn Heights. There were three main passes through the heights; the Gowanus Road farthest to the west, the Flatbush Road slightly farther to the east, in the center of the American line where it was expected that the British would attack, and the Bedford Road farthest to the east. Stirling was responsible for defending the Gowanus Road with 500 men, and Sullivan was to defend the Flatbush and Bedford roads where there were 1,000 and 800 men respectively. Six-thousand troops were to remain behind at Brooklyn Heights. There was one lesser-known pass through the heights farther to the east called the Jamaica Pass, which was patrolled by just five militia officers on horses.
How many people died in the Battle of Wallabout Bay?
At the time, it was by far the largest battle ever fought in North America. If the Royal Navy is included, over 40,000 men took part in the battle. Howe reported his losses as 59 killed, 268 wounded and 31 missing. The Hessian casualties were 5 killed and 26 wounded. The Americans suffered much heavier losses. About 300 had been killed and over 1,000 captured. As few as half of the prisoners survived. Kept on prison ships in Wallabout Bay, then transferred to locations such as the Middle Dutch Church, they were starved and denied medical attention. In their weakened condition, many succumbed to smallpox. : 191
What type of boat did Washington use for the invasion of Long Island?
Washington's performance during the meeting was praised in parts of the colonies. British troops in the type of flat-bottomed boat used for the invasion of Long Island. Hessians in their blue uniforms are in the two boats that are only partly visible.
What happened on July 12th?
On July 12, the British ships Phoenix and Rose sailed up the harbor toward the mouth of the Hudson. The American batteries opened fire at the harbor defenses of Fort George, Fort Defiance, and Governors Island, but the British returned fire into the city .
What happened to the American army on Long Island?
During the night of 29 August, the bulk of the American army crossed the East River to Manhattan, a successful escape that helped repair low American morale.
Where was the Battle of Long Island fought?
The American Revolutionary Battle of Long Island was fought in Brooklyn on August 27, 1776, with remnants of the American army retreating to Brooklyn Heights overlooking the East River. In 1816 the most populous section of Brooklyn was incorporated as a village and in 1834 as a city.…
What was the purpose of the Battle of New York?
The battle initiated the British campaign of 1776 to seize control of New York and thereby isolate New England from the rest of the colonies. After the British evacuation from Boston in March, the British general Lord William Howe moved to occupy New York City under the protection of a British fleet that commanded the surrounding waters. To protect his left flank, the defending American general, George Washington, stationed one-third of his troops (numbering no more than 20,000 trained soldiers) on the Long Island side of the East River. where they erected fortifications. A Continental Army division under Major General Nathanial Greene occupied a line of fortifications on Long Island’s Brooklyn Heights, across the East River from New York City.
What was the name of the battle that led to the American Revolution?
Battle of Long Island , also known as the Battle of Brooklyn or the Battle of Brooklyn Heights, (August 27–29, 1776), in the American Revolution, successful British action in Brooklyn, New York, against the American Continental Army and the first major battle of the war since the American declaration of independence on July 4.
Where did Howe attack?
keyboard_arrow_right. From his encampment on Staten Island, Howe planned to attack by land while warships blocked the river, trapping the Americans. On 22 August, his force of almost 30,000 British regulars and German mercenaries landed on the south beaches of Long Island.
What happened after midnight on 27 August?
After midnight on 27 August, Howe’s left and central columns marched forward, causing Putnam to shift units to meet the threat. Meanwhile, the main British attack swung right and, finding the road undefended, attacked the American rear. Surprised and outnumbered, American units fled to the main defense line.
When was the Battle of Long Island?
Furthermore, when was the Battle of Long Island? August 27, 1776
What was the significance of the Battle of Long Island?
Significance of the Battle of Long Island: The significance of the conflict was that U.S. forces were forced to retreat to Manhattan, then New Jersey. However, their defensive tactics proved to be highly successful against the British.
How many soldiers were in the Battle of Long Island?
Facts about the Battle of Long Island. Armies - American Forces was commanded by Gen. George Washington and consisted of 19,000 Soldiers. British Forces was commanded by Lt. Gen. William Howe and consisted of 22,000 Soldiers. Casualties - American casualties were estimated to be 300 killed, 650 wounded, and about 1,100 captured/missing.
What was the outcome of the Battle of New York?
Outcome - The result of the battle was a British victory. The battle was part of the New York and New Jersey Campaigns 1776-77.
How many troops were in the Putnam line?
Putnam was tasked with overseeing two defensive lines perpendicular to one another. The main line contained about 6,500 troops and were deployed around Brooklyn and faced southeast. This line ran north for 1.5 miles from the mill dam-Gowanus Creek area that emptied into Gowanus Bay to Wallabout Bay. The remaining 3,000 troops were deployed to guard four strategic passes cut by major roads leading to the top and beyond the heights.
How many troops were on the Gowanus Road?
About 550 troops were on the far left guarding Gowanus Road overlooking Gowanus Bay. About 1.5 miles to the east were 1,100 troops guarding Flatbush Pass. Farther east for one mile were 800 troops guarding Bedford Pass. Still farther east of the left flank of Putnam's line were 500 riflemen. Their job was picketing a small line stretching toward Howard's Tavern at Jamacia Pass.
Why was Howe unable to move his warships behind Washington's position?
Also, because of the high winds, Howe was unable to move his warships behind Washington's position. On August 29, during the evening, Washington called a council-of-war to consult on the proper measures to be taken. It was determined that moving across the river was the only way to escape.
Where did Howe take possession of the hill?
He took possession of a hill about two miles from the Patriot camp, and in front of Grant. Howe was finally in position and ready to launch his offensive against the Patriots. Howe's plan was to send Grant to the American far right flank above Gowanus Bay to divert attention to the western end of the line.
What happened to the British army on August 29, 1861?
On the night of August 29, while the British were digging in for a siege, Gen. Washington evacuated the entire army to Manhattan without the loss of supplies or a single life. Washington and the Continental Army were driven out of New York entirely after several more defeats and forced to retreat through New Jersey and into Pennsylvania.
When did Washington order his men to evacuate Long Island?
Before they could be surrounded, Washington ordered his men to evacuate Long Island. From late in the evening of August 29 to dawn on the following morning, Washington watched as 9,000 Continentals were rowed back to Manhattan. As the sun came up, a fog miraculously descended on the remaining men crossing the river.
Who was the general who commanded the British ships at Staten Island?
In early July, 400 British ships with 32,000 men commanded by General William Howe arrived at Staten Island. When Howe offered a pardon to the rebels, Washington answered, "Those who have committed no fault want no pardon." 1 While he was still convinced that the British would attack Manhattan, he sent more troops to Brooklyn.
Who was the author of the New York Campaign?
Historian and author Joe Ellis describes the 1776 New York Campaign - the campaign that almost led to the destruction of the Continental Army and the career of George Washington. Map showing Howe's attack upon Washington's forces on Long Island. Courtesy Library of Congress.
Who was in charge of the Brooklyn Heights?
Washington placed General Israel Putnam in charge of Brooklyn Heights and stationed General John Sullivan to the south and Lord Stirling to the southwest on the Heights of Guan. He posted guards along the main roads leading through the heights, but failed to secure the rarely used Jamaica Pass to the east.
What was Washington's next target?
After the British evacuated Boston on March 17, 1776, General George Washington guessed correctly that their next target would be New York. By mid-April, Washington had marched his 19,000 soldiers to Lower Manhattan. He strengthened the batteries that guarded the harbor and constructed forts in northern Manhattan and on Brooklyn Heights across the East River on Long Island.
When did the Battle of Long Island end?
The battle began on August 27, 1776 and ended on August 29th.
What was the purpose of the Battle of Long Island?
The Battle of Long Island. The American plan was to direct the defenses from Brooklyn Heights under the command of Putnam along with some of the men who were stationed at Guana Heights. The intent was to block the path to Brooklyn Heights. Washington’s plan was to inflict heavy damage on the British troops through the men stationed ...
What was Washington's plan for the British?
Washington’s plan was to inflict heavy damage on the British troops through the men stationed at Guana Heights, who would then fall back to main defenses at Brooklyn Heights. There were 4 passes through the Heights – Gowanus Road, Flatbush Road, Bedford Road, and Jamaica Pass.
How many troops marched through Jamaica Pass?
Howe approved the plan and under Clinton’s command, 10,000 troops marched through the Jamaica Pass on the night of August 26. On the morning of the 27th, Clinton’s army signaled the troops stationed at the front with a cannon fire, to begin the frontal attack.
How many soldiers were evacuated in the cover of the night?
Washington was advised to retreat to Manhattan and on August 29th, the American troops staged one of the greatest feats of evacuating more than 9000 soldiers in the cover of the night over water. Not a single life was lost during the maneuver.
How many ships did the British have in the Battle of Staten Island?
Howe’s Battle Plan. In June, under the command of General Howe, 32,000 troops arrived at Staten Island by sea. The British naval fleet had more than 400 ships by August that included 73 war ships. On August 22, 15,000 troops landed in Long Island. 5,000 additional troops that was to serve as reinforcements, arrived in Long Island.
What war was the British colony fighting in?
To everyone who is wondering, especially the idiot who called this a war; this battle was part of the Revolutionary War. Where the British Colonies revolted from Britain, eventually creating the U.S.
What was the battle of Long Island?
The battle of Long Island, a British victory, began just after the Siege of Boston. As the British fled from their defeat, General George Washington anticipated they would go south and try to attack New York. He and his army traveled southward, in an attempt to cut them off before the attack. As it turns out, the British had fled North ...
What was the problem with the British landing on Long Island?
There was just one problem: the British would be attacking Long Island, not New York. On August 27, 1776 the British landed on Long Island, which is south of New York. Two days later, General Howe learned that the Americans had no one guarding the road leading North from Long Island into New York, but had defenses set up on all the other roads.
What happened on August 28, 1861?
On August 28, Washington heard of this attack and, in a panic, tried to come with reinforcements. However , the British forces were too strong and they forced the Americans to evacuate the city of Brooklyn entirely. In a frenzy, the American army fled.
Why did George Washington build a wall of men with guns?
He had created a wall of men with guns to defend the city from any attacks from the sea and placed 10,000 men on Brooklyn Heights to defend Manhattan. He was ready for anyone who would attack New York.
Where did the British camp before the Battle of the Hudson River?
As it turns out, the British had fled North and camped out in Halifax, Nova Scotia. They continued North, reaching the Hudson River on June 29, 1776.
Who led the troops on the North Road?
He then proceeded around to attack the Americans guarding the left road, who were led by General John Sullivan. While Howe’s army attacked Sullivan’s from behind, a German troop, which was in league with the British, attacked from the front. Sullivan fought as well as he could, but he was soon overpowered and forced to retreat behind the Brooklyn walls.
Who was the British general who attacked Staten Island?
Four days later British General William Howe arrived on Staten Island to prepare an attack. The next day (July 4, 1776) was the day that the America’s Continental Congress declared the independence of America. The Delaware Regiment at the Battle of Long Island | Public domain image.
How many people died in the Battle of Long Island?
In the battle of Long Island , the British lost about 388 casualties (64 killed, 293 wounded, 31 missing). American casualties were around 2100 (300 killed, 800 wounded, and 1000 captured). Many of these had surrendered.
What was the name of the battle that gave the British control of the Port of New York?
The Battle of Long Island , also known as the Battle of Brooklyn and the Battle of Brooklyn Heights, was fought on August 27, 1776. It resulted in British victory over the Americans, giving them control of strategically important Port of New York.
What was the name of the fortifications that the American army scrambled into during the Battle of Long?
During the battle of Long Island, American army scrambled into the fortifications at Brooklyn Heights. The East River was at their backs, and it was dominated by the British fleet. But at 4 PM on the 27th, Howe called off the attack.
What was the name of the army that fought in the Battle of Harlem Heights?
Washington’s army reached Harlem Heights on the evening of the 15th. There, aided by a scouting unit called “Knowlton’s Rangers”, Washington fought off a British attack on the 16th. This is now known as the “Battle of Harlem Heights,” although it was little more than a skirmish. Knowlton was killed.
What ship did the Turtle attack?
On September 6, the American submersible Turtle unsuccessfully attacked the HMS Eagle, Howe’s flagship.
How many men guarded the Jamaica Pass?
American troops covered the passes between the various hills…except one: Jamaica Pass (which had only 5 men guarding it).
How many men were on Staten Island in August?
Four days later, the rest of the force arrived. On July 3, the British troops landed unopposed on Staten Island. By August, they had about 32,000 men (including 8000 Hessians) there.
Overview
Aftermath
Washington and the army were surrounded on Brooklyn Heights with the East River to their backs. As the day went on, the British began to dig trenches, slowly coming closer to the American defenses. By doing this, the British would not have to cross over open ground to assault the American defenses as they did in Boston the year before. Despite this perilous situation, Washington ordered 1,2…
Prelude to battle
In the first stage of the war, the British Army was trapped in the peninsular city of Boston and were forced to abandon it on March 17, sailing to Halifax, Nova Scotia, to await reinforcements. Washington then began to transfer regiments to New York City, which he believed the British would attack next because of the port's strategic importance. Washington left Boston on April 4, arrived at New …
Battle
At 21:00, the British moved out. No one except the commanders knew of the plan. Clinton led a crack brigade of light infantry with fixed bayonets in front, followed by Cornwallis who had eight battalions and 14 artillery pieces. Cornwallis was followed by Howe and Hugh Percy with six battalions, more artillery, and baggage. The column consisted of 10,000 men who stretched ou…
Legacy
The most significant legacy of the Battle of Long Island was that it showed there would be no easy victory, and that the war would be long and bloody.
Commemorations of the battle include:
• The Altar to Liberty: Minerva monument: The battle is commemorated with a monument, which includes a bronze statue of Minerva near the top of Battle Hill, the highest point of Brooklyn, in Gre…
See also
• List of American Revolutionary War battles
• American Revolutionary War §British New York counter-offensive. The ‘Battle of Long Island’ placed in overall sequence and strategic context.
• Dr. John Hart, Regimental Surgeon of Col Prescott's Regiment who was stationed at Governor's Island
External links
• Whittimore, Henry "The Heroes of the American Revolution and their Descendants; The Battle of Long Island" 1897
• The Battle of Long Island
• The Wild Geese Today – Honoring Those Who Saved Washington's Army