Fort Lee (Fort Lee, New Jersey)
Fort Lee · New Jersey · Revolutionary War
History & Significance
George Washington ordered General Mercer to erect a fort on the west side of the Hudson River, with construction commencing in July 1776. Originally named Fort Constitution, the site was located on the crest of the Hudson Palisades in Hackensack Township, New Jersey.
The twin forts—Fort Lee and Fort Washington across the river—were intended to protect the lower Hudson from British warships. Chevaux-de-frise were laid between them, along with sunken obstructions.
At the end of September 1776, Fort Constitution was renamed Fort Lee for General Charles Lee of the Continental Army. George Washington used the stone Bourdette house for his headquarters when he stayed at Fort Lee.
The fort never played its intended combat role. Fort Lee was rendered defenseless after Continental Army troops holding Fort Washington were defeated and captured on November 16, 1776.
On the night of November 19, 5,000 British troops were ferried across the Hudson; General Lord Cornwallis landed between 2,500 and 5,000 troops on November 20 several miles north of the fort. General Nathanael Greene led a hurried evacuation of the fort's 2,000-man garrison and marched them toward Hackensack before the British could seize the one bridge across the Hackensack River. The capture and retreat from Fort Lee started the brutal march through New Jersey, though through extraordinary leadership the army survived and fought decisively one month later at Trenton and Princeton.
Key Facts
Map
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🧳 Visiting
What you’ll see when you visit:
- Reconstructed Revolutionary War fortifications on Hudson Palisades
- Visitor center with museum exhibits on 1776 evacuation and Washington's retreat
- Scenic overlooks of Hudson River and George Washington Bridge
- Historic site of strategic British invasion position
Sources
- https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fort_Lee_Historic_Park
- https://njpalisades.org/fortlee/
- https://www.battlefields.org/learn/revolutionary-war/battles/fort-lee
- https://revolutionarynj.org/sites/fort-lee-historic-park/
- https://revolutionarywar.us/year-1776/battle-fort-lee/
- https://www.battlefields.org/learn/articles/forts-washington-and-lee
- https://www.fortleenj.org/283/Historic-Fort-Lee