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The Battle of BrooklynThe Declaration of Independence was signed in ink in Philadelphia, but it was affirmed in blood at the Battle of Brooklyn! Also known as the Battle of Long Island, it was the first battle fought by the newly declared United States of America.His majesty King George III of Britain had sent an armada of ships into New York Harbor to crush the rebellion (the largest invasion force ever to come to our shores).
The Battle of Brooklyn was fought in today's Cemetery of the Evergreens, Green-Wood Cemetery, Prospect Park, the Gowanus Canal and Red Hook. American forces numbered no more than 4,000 but they fought valiantly against over 20,000 well trained and well equipped British troops, Hessians and Highlanders. It was the largest battle of the Revolutionary War! The fateful conclusion of the Battle happened at the Vechte House, today's Old Stone House Interpretive Center, in JJ Byrne Park 3rd Street and 5th Avenue. Four hundred Marylanders faced over 2,000 British who held the house. Valiantly the Marylanders stormed the house six times before they were forced to surrender, but not until over half had made the ultimate sacrifice.
Watching the battle from a hill, General George Washington cried out "Good God!" What brave men I must this day lose." Indeed, their heroism strengthened the resolve of the American Army, who escaped total defeat to ultimately win the Revolutionary War. |
On the 4th of July, 1776 cannons stationed in today's Fort Hamilton fired upon them, but the first battle took place in what is now Brooklyn, New York on August 27, 1776
