The British landing at Kip's Bay forced the Continental Army to abandon New York City and retreat to Harlem Heights in September 1776.
Key Facts
- Date
- September 15, 1776
- Theater
- New York Campaign, American Revolutionary War
- Landing site
- East River shore of Manhattan
- American response
- Militia fled; Washington nearly captured
- Outcome
- British seized lower Manhattan; Americans withdrew
- Follow-up delay
- Howe did not advance further for two months
Location
Cause → Event → Consequence
During the New York campaign of 1776, British forces sought to seize Manhattan from the Continental Army. Inexperienced American militia were stationed along the East River shore at Kip's Bay, leaving the landing area vulnerable. Heavy naval gunfire from British ships on the East River suppressed the defenders and caused them to flee before British troops even came ashore.
On September 15, 1776, British forces executed an amphibious landing at Kip's Bay on the East River shore of Manhattan. The militia guarding the site fled under naval bombardment, allowing an unopposed landing. Subsequent British maneuvers nearly cut off retreating Continental Army units further south, and General George Washington, attempting to rally the fleeing soldiers, was briefly left dangerously close to British lines.
The landing forced the Continental Army to withdraw northward to Harlem Heights, ceding lower Manhattan and New York City to British control. Washington established defensive positions at Harlem Heights, repelling a British probe the following day. General William Howe, unwilling to risk a costly frontal assault, refrained from pressing further up the island for two months, allowing the Americans time to consolidate.
Belligerents & Mobilization Analysis
Side A
1 belligerent
William Howe.
Side B
1 belligerent
George Washington.