Seven Weeks After Independence, Washington Lost New York — The Fall of New York (1776)

The Largest Invasion

July 4, 1776. Independence declared.

Seven weeks later, 32,000 British troops landed on Long Island — the largest expeditionary force Britain had ever sent. Four hundred warships filled New York Harbor.

Washington's Continental Army numbered around 19,000.

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The Battle of Long Island

On August 27, battle began. The British flanked and encircled the American lines. Some 1,400 Americans were captured. Washington was trapped on the Brooklyn Heights.

Without a retreat, the entire army faced capture.

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Escape Through the Fog

Washington ordered a withdrawal. On the night of August 29, a thick fog settled over the river.

Nine thousand men boarded boats in silence and crossed the East River before dawn. The British discovered the empty positions only in the morning.

Historians call it a miracle.

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New York Lost

On September 15, British forces landed in Manhattan. Washington retreated north. New York fell entirely into British hands and remained their base until the end of the war.

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Paine's Words

That winter, Thomas Paine wrote:

"These are the times that try men's souls."

Washington had the words read aloud to his soldiers. Then, in December, he crossed the Delaware.

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Dates: August–September 1776 | British forces: 32,000 | Troops evacuated: 9,000 | Night crossing: August 29–30