Battle of Harlem Heights Plaque

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Quick Facts

Location:

W 120th St. & Riverside Dr (Northbound side)

Amenities

2 listed

Historical/Interpretive Information/Exhibits, Public Transit

This plaque reads, “The Battle of Harlem Heights, September 16-1776. In grateful remembrance of the brave soldiers of New York, New Jersey, Connecticut, Massachusetts, Rhode Island, Pennsylvania, Maryland and Virginia. Who under General George Washington fought and died on this site for liberty and their country's struggle against British tyranny.”

The battle lasted for about two more hours. But by 3:00 p.m., George Washington was concerned that his troops might push a little too far, and the main body of the British might take them over. So George Washington's Army retreats respectively. They say “huzzah!” as they go back down the Hollow's Way back to the other side.

What was the impact of this battle? What happens next?

The British would wait over a month before they move on. By then, Washington is up in White Plains. You had the Battle of White Plains and unfortunately, George Washington left 3,000 men at Fort Washington. They were all captured, plus the rest of the Knowlton’s Rangers, unfortunately, were captured too at that battle, and many of them ended up dying in prisons here in New York City.

New York plays an important role during the American Revolution, but it's really under British control for the duration of the war. The British would control Manhattan Island and over 12,000 colonists. Many of them probably fought and died right here in Harlem or on prison barges docked on the Hudson River.