The Battle of Fort Washington

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The Battle of Fort Washington

By: AH1Tom

The Battle of Fort Washington, on November 16, 1776, was a significant event of the American Revolutionary War. Situated at the northern extremity of Manhattan Island, Fort Washington served as a crucial defensive position for the Continental Army. Its subsequent loss to British and Hessian forces constituted a major setback for the cause.

During 1776, the Continental Army, under the leadership of General George Washington, sought to retain control of New York City due to its strategic relevance and access to the Hudson River. Fort Washington was constructed to safeguard the river and prevent British forces from dividing the colonies. Its counterpart, Fort Lee, was located across the Hudson in New Jersey, together forming a defensive barrier intended to halt British progress.

Cannon, as large as 32-pounders, would be positioned to shell any ships attempting to cross between the gauntlet set up by the two forts. Hulks were sunk to hinder passage, as well as a ¹chevaux de fries that would stretch across the Hudson. An opening was left for the passage of American ships; however, after the British learned of the opening from a local resident, they successfully passed through the barrier several times.  The 3rd and 5th Pennsylvania regiments, under the command of Colonels John Shee and Robert Magaw, would erect the fort and nearby redoubts throughout July and into August.

On the morning of November 16, British General William Howe initiated an assault on Fort Washington, deploying a combined contingent of British soldiers and German Hessian mercenaries. The American defenders, commanded by Colonel Robert Magaw, numbered approximately 3,000. Despite offering determined resistance, the Americans were ultimately outmaneuvered. The British forces attacked from several directions, employing superior numbers and firepower to defeat the Continental Army.

Following several hours of intense combat, the American garrison was compelled to surrender. The consequences were severe: nearly 2,900 soldiers were taken prisoner, and essential artillery, muskets, and provisions were lost. The fall of Fort Washington resulted in Manhattan being firmly under British control and necessitated a westward retreat by the Continental Army.

The defeat at Fort Washington delivered a profound blow to the morale of the Continental Army and the nation. It exposed deficiencies in defensive strategy and underscored the imperative for improved coordination and intelligence. Many captured soldiers endured severe conditions during the ensuing winter.

Nonetheless, the lessons learned from Fort Washington were used to improve the outcome during subsequent campaigns. General Washington and his officers recognized the necessity of mobility and the inherent risks of maintaining isolated positions. The adversity strengthened support for the revolutionary effort, as accounts of the prisoners' hardships inspired increased resolve among the colonies.

The Battle of Fort Washington is regarded not solely as a defeat, but as an instructive and formative event for the Continental Army. The valor displayed by those who defended the fort, as well as the resilience demonstrated in its aftermath, contributed significantly to shaping future battle plans. In reflecting upon this battle, one acknowledges the sacrifices rendered and the enduring spirit that ultimately secured independence for the United States.

 ¹Chevaux de fries were typically sharpened stakes that hindered an attacking force. In this case, the obstacle to hinder shipping was an array of logs sunk underwater that stretched between Fort Washington and Fort Lee. The logs were intended to pierce and sink any British ships that passed over it. 




Image description: Contemporaneous view drawn by British officer Thomas Davies of the attack against Fort Washington on November 16, 1776. Shows artillery fire on the fort and redoubts as well as several boats of soldiers in the river. The New Jersey Palisades and the Hudson River are also shown in the background.

Image credits: "A View of the Attack against Fort Washington and Rebel Redouts near New York on the 16 of November 1776 by the British and Hessian Brigades" by: Thomas Davies, 1776; Drawn on the Spot, by Tho. Davies Capt R: R: of Artillery. Public Domain.