New York & New Jersey Campaign > Battle of Fort Washington

Battle of Fort Washington

Background

The Battle of Fort Washington, fought on November 16, 1776, was a significant engagement during the American Revolutionary War. It involved British and Hessian forces attacking the American garrison at Fort Washington, located on the northern end of Manhattan Island, New York. The battle resulted in a decisive British victory, leading to the capture of the fort and a substantial loss for the Continental Army.

Background:

1. Strategic Context:

   • Fort Washington was constructed by the Continental Army to defend the Hudson River and prevent British naval forces from advancing up the river. It was strategically located on high ground, providing a commanding view of the river and surrounding area.
   • After the British captured New York City in the summer of 1776, General George Washington's forces retreated to defensive positions, including Fort Washington and its counterpart, Fort Lee, across the river in New Jersey.

2. American Forces:

   • The garrison at Fort Washington was commanded by Colonel Robert Magaw and consisted of approximately 3,000 troops. The fort was well-fortified with earthworks, artillery, and strong defensive positions.
   • Despite its strong defenses, the fort was vulnerable due to its isolation and the increasing British pressure in the region.

3. British Forces:

   • The British and Hessian forces, commanded by General Sir William Howe, sought to eliminate the American stronghold at Fort Washington to secure control over the Hudson River and crush American resistance in the area.
   • Howe's plan involved a coordinated attack with multiple columns advancing on the fort from different directions to overwhelm the defenders.

The Battle:

1. British Plan of Attack:

   • Howe's plan divided his forces into four columns to attack Fort Washington from the north, east, and south, effectively surrounding the fort. The assault included British regulars, Hessian troops, and Loyalist units.
   • The primary assault forces were led by General Wilhelm von Knyphausen, General Edward Mathew, and Lord Hugh Percy.

2. Engagement:

   • The attack began in the early morning of November 16, 1776. The Hessians, led by von Knyphausen, advanced from the north, facing steep and heavily defended terrain.
   • Simultaneously, British forces under Mathew and Percy attacked from the east and south, engaging American defenders in fierce combat. The British naval forces supported the assault by bombarding the fort from the river.

3. Overwhelming the Defenses:

   • Despite determined resistance, the American defenders were gradually overwhelmed by the coordinated British assault. The attackers breached the outer defenses and advanced toward the inner fortifications.
   • As the British and Hessian forces closed in, the American defenders, realizing their untenable position, began to falter. Colonel Magaw, seeing no hope of relief or successful defense, decided to surrender to prevent further bloodshed.

4. Surrender:

   • By early afternoon, Colonel Magaw formally surrendered Fort Washington. Approximately 2,800 American soldiers were taken prisoner, and the British captured valuable supplies, including artillery and ammunition.

Aftermath and Impact:

1. Casualties:

   • American casualties included around 150 killed or wounded, with the rest of the garrison captured. British and Hessian forces suffered approximately 450 casualties, reflecting the intensity of the battle.

2. Strategic Consequences:

   • The fall of Fort Washington was a significant blow to the Continental Army. It led to the loss of a key defensive position and critical supplies, weakening American capabilities in the region.
   • The victory secured British control over the lower Hudson River and allowed them to focus on other strategic objectives, including the campaign in New Jersey.

3. Impact on American Morale:

   • The defeat at Fort Washington, followed by the subsequent loss of Fort Lee, severely affected American morale and led to a series of retreats across New Jersey.
   • However, these setbacks also set the stage for Washington's later counterattacks, including the surprise victories at Trenton and Princeton, which revitalized the American cause.

Significance:

• Tactical Lesson: The Battle of Fort Washington highlighted the dangers of holding isolated and vulnerable positions without adequate support or escape routes.
• British Success: The capture of Fort Washington demonstrated the effectiveness of British and Hessian coordination and their ability to execute complex assaults against fortified positions.
• American Resilience: Despite the defeat, the Continental Army's ability to regroup and eventually achieve victories in subsequent battles illustrated the resilience and strategic adaptability of American forces.

The Battle of Fort Washington was a critical moment in the early stages of the American Revolutionary War, showcasing both the strengths and vulnerabilities of the Continental Army and contributing to the broader narrative of the struggle for independence.

New York & New Jersey Campaign Battles

• Ambush of Geary
• Battle of Fort Lee
• Fort Washington
• Battle of Harlem Heights
• Battle of Iron Works Hill
• Battle of Long Island
• Battle of Millstone
• Battle of Pell's Point
• Battle of Princeton
• Battle of the Assunpink Creek
• Battle of Trenton
• Battle of White Plains
• Crossing the Delaware River
• Forage War
• Great Fire of New York
• Landing at Kips Bay
• Staten Island Peace Conference

Sources

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