One Month After Independence, Washington Ran — The Fall of New York (1776)
In August 1776, the British seized New York. Washington's army escaped encirclement by a thread. It looked like the end of the war.
Right After Independence
July 4, 1776. The Declaration of Independence was adopted.
One month later, 400 British ships appeared in New York harbor. 32,000 troops — the most powerful expeditionary force in the world at the time.
Washington had 20,000 men. Undertrained. Low on powder.
The Battle of Long Island
August 27. The British landed on Long Island.
General Howe swung around the Continental flank and closed a trap. Washington's men were pushed back to the Brooklyn shore.
Annihilation seemed certain.
Escape Through the Fog
The night of August 29, a heavy fog rolled in.
Washington loaded 9,000 men onto boats and crossed the East River. The fog held until morning.
When the British reached the shore, the Continental Army was gone.
New York Falls
September 15. British troops landed on Manhattan. Washington retreated north.
New York stayed in British hands until the war ended. Seven years.
But Washington had saved his army. Only a living army could keep fighting.
Battle of Long Island: August 27, 1776 | Escape: August 29 | New York falls: September 15 | British occupation: 1776–1783
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