1776 first major battle of the American Revolutionary War to take place after the Declaration of Independence
The largest battle of the American Revolutionary War marked the first major engagement after independence and resulted in British control of New York for the remainder of the war.
Key Facts
- Date
- August 27, 1776
- British troop strength
- 32,000 troops
- American losses
- Approximately 20% through casualties and capture
- Maryland/Delaware stand
- 400 troops held rear to prevent greater losses
- Evacuation date
- Night of August 29–30, 1776
- Scale
- Largest battle of the Revolutionary War by troop deployment
By the Numbers
Location
Cause → Event → Consequence
After driving the British from Boston in March 1776, General Washington relocated his Continental Army to defend New York City, recognizing the harbor's strategic value to the Royal Navy. General Howe assembled a force of 32,000 troops on Staten Island before crossing to Long Island, landing at Gravesend Bay on August 21.
On August 27, British forces attacked American defenses on Guan Heights, while Howe secretly flanked the Continental Army from the rear. Caught off guard, the Americans suffered roughly 20 percent losses in casualties and captures. A determined stand by 400 Maryland and Delaware troops allowed the remainder to retreat to the fortified lines at Brooklyn Heights.
Though the British took Long Island and gained access to the Port of New York, Washington successfully evacuated his entire army to Manhattan on the night of August 29–30 without loss of life or supplies. The British held New York for the rest of the war, and the Continental Army was subsequently driven through New Jersey into Pennsylvania.
Belligerents & Mobilization Analysis
Side A
1 belligerent
George Washington.
Side B
1 belligerent
General William Howe.