Fort Washington (Washington Heights, Manhattan, New York)
Washington Heights, Manhattan · New York · American Revolution
History & Significance
Fort Washington was located at the highest point of Manhattan Island along a large outcropping of Manhattan schist near its northernmost tip. Along with Fort Lee located just across the Hudson River atop the New Jersey Palisades, the twin forts were intended to protect the lower Hudson from British warships.
On June 20, 1776, Pennsylvania battalions under General George Washington's command constructed a five-bastion earthen fort atop Manhattan's highest hill. Though hastily constructed, Fort Washington wrought havoc on British warships attempting to sail up the Hudson River and was similarly successful in repulsing Hessian attacks in early November.
On November 16, 1776, a combined British-Hessian assault force of 8,000 men overwhelmed the fort's 3,000 defenders, and Magaw surrendered after a fruitless attempt to gain gentler surrender terms for his men. Under the usual treatment of prisoners of war during the Revolutionary War, only 800 of the 2,800 survivors lived to be released 18 months later in a prisoner exchange; nearly three-quarters of the prisoners died. On November 25, 1783, with the peace treaty signed, General Washington and Governor George Clinton triumphantly reclaimed Fort Washington as they marched toward lower Manhattan after the last British forces had left New York.
Key Facts
Map
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🧳 Visiting
What you’ll see when you visit:
- Stone markers outline the fort's original Revolutionary War ramparts
- Bennett Park occupies Manhattan's highest natural point (265 feet)
- Interpretive tablet commemorates the 1776 American position and its capture
- Hudson River views from the site's elevated location
- Urban park setting at the northern tip of Manhattan Island
Sources
- https://www.battlefields.org/learn/revolutionary-war/battles/fort-washington
- https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Battle_of_Fort_Washington
- https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fort_Washington_(Manhattan)
- https://www.nycgovparks.org/parks/fort-washington-park/history
- https://www.americanhistorycentral.com/entries/battle-of-fort-washington-1776/
- https://www.worldhistory.org/article/2362/battle-of-fort-washington/