Battle of Long Island
The Battle of Long Island, fought in August 1776, was a significant conflict during the American Revolutionary War between British forces and the Continental Army led by General George Washington. Following the arrival of a massive British fleet with around 32,000 soldiers on Staten Island, Washington moved his troops to defend Brooklyn, recognizing the strategic importance of the location. The American forces, numbering 19,000, fortified Brooklyn Heights but faced vulnerabilities, particularly at Jamaica Pass.
On August 27, British forces launched a coordinated attack, ultimately overwhelming Washington's troops and inflicting substantial casualties. The Americans suffered 1,012 losses compared to 392 for the British. Despite the defeat, Washington skillfully managed a retreat to Manhattan, aided by inclement weather that hampered British naval operations. The British victory allowed them to maintain control of Long Island until 1783, yet it also prevented them from fully capturing Manhattan, highlighting the complex nature of military engagements during the war. The battle underscored both the challenges faced by the Continental Army and the ongoing struggle for American independence.
Battle of Long Island
Type of action: Ground battle in the American Revolution
Date: August 27-30, 1776
Location: Brooklyn, New York
Combatants: 32,000 British vs. 19,000 Americans
Principal commanders: British, General Sir William Howe (1732–1786); American, General George Washington (1732–1799)
Result: General Washington’s army retreated across the East River to Manhattan
George Washington moved his troops to Manhattan in March, 1776, convinced that the British would attack. Fortifications were constructed around Manhattan. On June 29, British ships moved toward Staten Island. On August 12, British reinforcements arrived, consisting of more than four hundred transport ships protected by thirty warships.
These ships, with a total of 10,000 sailors, brought 32,000 soldiers to Staten Island. After learning of this troop movement, General Washington, realizing that he must confront the British in Brooklyn at the western extreme of Long Island, sent 7,000 troops there, increasing the number of American troops there to 19,000. These troops fortified Brooklyn Heights, establishing an outer defensive position behind their fortifications, which had a weak spot at Jamaica Pass.
On August 27, one British contingent attacked the American troops while another body of troops swarmed in through the Jamaica Pass, completely overwhelming Washington’s forces. The Americans suffered 1,012 casualties, whereas the British incurred 392. Capitalizing on stormy weather that kept British warships at bay, Washington led a retreat to Manhattan.
Significance
Victorious in Brooklyn, the British held Long Island until 1783. The Battle of Long Island, however, prevented General William Howe’s forces from capturing Manhattan. The British victory was bittersweet.
Resources
Johnston, Henry P. The Campaign of 1776 Around New York and Brooklyn. New York: Da Capo Press, 1971.
Liberty: The American Revolution. Documentary. Middlemarch Films, 1997.
Millett, Allan Reed. For the Common Defense: A Military History of the United States of America. New York: Free Press, 1994.
Nickerson, Hoffman. The Turning Point of the Revolution. Port Washington, N.Y.: Kennikat Press, 1967.