Cover Page

Contents

Introduction

Colonial Period

Revolution

Early Republic

War Between the States

Recent Era

District of Columbia

Historic Projects

AT THE outbreak of the war for American independence, the strategy of the British was to attempt the conquest of New England, where the Revolutionary movement was very strong. Though they gained a costly victory at Bunker Hill in 1775, the British were forced out of Boston a few months later and abandoned New England as a theater of operations. By the victories at Long Island, White Plains, and Forts Washington and Lee they secured New York City and gained control of the lower Hudson Valley. Washington, after a long series of retreats, won the battles of Trenton and Princeton and then occupied Morristown, N. J. There, sheltered by hills and mountains, he was able to protect the roads leading to New England and Pennsylvania and to threaten constantly the British hold on New York City. The British attempt to divide the revolting colonies by establishing a line along the Hudson from Canada to New York was frustrated by the American victory at Saratoga. Even the entrance of France as an American ally in 1778 did not materially affect the military stalemate in the North.

White Plains National Battlefield Site, New York

Morristown National Historical Park, New Jersey

Last Modified: Thurs, Nov 23 2000 10:00:00 pm PDT
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