Historic Coasts

Fort Defiance played a critical role in the Battle of Brooklyn, which took place in Red Hook on August 27, 1776. It was the first battle of the American Revolutionary War, after the United States Continental Congress adopted the Declaration of Independence on July 4, 1776. General George Washington expected the British to attack New York Harbor after forcing them out of Massachusetts in March, ending the Siege of Boston. With the newly formed Continental Army, Washington readied for battle by building several defensive forts on the tip of Manhattan and in Brooklyn.

Built on a 50-foot hill in Red Hook, Fort Defiance commanded a panoramic view of New York Harbor. It stood ready for battle with four heavy cannons positioned to fire on a high trajectory and a defensive 1,600 foot-long trench along the shore's marsh land. The British assembled upwards of 30,000 men, 30 war ships and 400 transport ships at the entrance to the Harbor. New York City's residents panicked at the sight of the ships. In defense, Washington dispersed 18,000 soldiers to Manhattan and lands north and east. Meanwhile, British intelligence uncovered that the little-known Jamaica Pass, leading to Brooklyn's waterfront, was undefended.

 

British General William Howe used this opportunity to mount a surprise attack and surround the Americans. He sent 20,000 men along the Jamaica Pass and a heavily armored warship, the HMS Roebuck, up the East River. The land attack was successful leaving the Americans blocked in against the East River. However, on the water, persistent winds stopped the HMS Roebuck in front of Fort Defiance. The Americans bombarded the ship with cannon fire forcing the British to retreat and lose their strategic naval position. With the East River undefended, 9,000 Americans escaped to Manhattan in small boats under the cover of darkness allowing the Continental Army to regroup and ultimately win independence from British rule.

Submitted by @lampbane