Fort Lee Found Its Place in American
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between the forts. With these in place, On November 20, just four days after “FORT LEE” and artillery fire from the twin forts, the taking Fort Washington, General Howe FORT LEE Americans believed that no British ships ordered General Charles Cornwallis to ort Lee found its place in American would be able to sail past without sustain- convey 5,000 men across the Hudson sev- HISTORIC history during the 1776 British cam- ing severe losses. eral miles north of Fort Lee. When word Fpaign to control New York City and of the advancing army reached Washing- PARK the Hudson River. ton, he ordered an immediate retreat, PALISADES INTERSTATE PARK COMMISSION Having resisted the British siege of before the Fort Lee troops could be cut off Boston, General Washington turned his and captured by the British force. Most of attention to the defense of New York City the American supplies and artillery had to and the Hudson River Valley. Besides con- be left behind. These were indeed among structing fortifications at New York and s the summer of 1776 went on, the darkest days for the cause of American Long Island, Washington felt it imperative the largest force of British ships independence, leading Thomas Paine to for the army to build and strengthen its Aever to have left English shores pen his famous words, defenses along the Hudson River. was arriving in New York Harbor. By The British plan, meanwhile, was to mid-August, Sir William Howe, British “These are the times that control the length of the Hudson with the Commander-in-Chief (and brother to Ad- try men’s souls…” overwhelming dominance of its Royal miral Howe), had assembled an army of Navy. This plan, if successful, would split over 31,000 British and Hessian troops on the Colonies in half—bringing an early Staten Island. •To protect our exhibits and displays… end to the American rebellion. On August 22, the British attacked Food, drinks, and smoking are not Visitor Center open Wednesday – Sunday Long Island and five days later forced allowed in the building. In July 1776, the Americans began to 10 AM – 4:45 PM fortify this site, which they first named the Americans to retreat to New York •To protect the natural beauty of the “Fort Constitution.” The name “Fort City (at the time, the city comprised park… Litter must be placed in the Grounds open 8 AM to dusk Lee” was later adopted to honor General only the southern tip of Manhattan proper receptacles. Do not disturb plants Metered Parking or wildlife. Fires are prohibited. Charles Lee, whose army had achieved a Island). In September, the British took 7 days major victory at Charleston, South Caro- New York City and the rest of Manhat- •To insure the health and safety of our visitors… Alcohol is prohibited in the s Int lina, that summer. During this time, on the tan—except for Fort Washington. de er a s Park. Pets are prohibited in the Park. s t On November 16, Fort Washington fell i a high ground of northern Manhattan op- l Bicycles are prohibited beyond the t a e posite Fort Lee, work had already begun to an overwhelming assault by Crown parking area. Climbing on trees, etc. is P on Fort Washington. On July 12, Admiral forces, which captured more than 3,000 P prohibited. a n r i o Richard Howe sent two British ships, the American troops. •To preserve the dignity of the historic k s C m i s Rose and the Phoenix, up the Hudson. Washington realized that with the loss section… Climbing on gun batteries o m Cannon fire from Fort Washington alone of Fort Washington, Fort Lee was of little is prohibited. Picnicking is permitted had little effect on their passage. Washing- military value. He ordered General Na- only at the north end of the Historic Hudson Terrace ton ordered work on Fort Lee to advance thanael Greene, the commander at Fort Park. Ball playing, kites, etc. are not Fort Lee, New Jersey 07024 as quickly as possible. Lee, to begin preparations to evacuate the permitted. 201 461-1776 At Rufus Putnam’s suggestion, obstruc- fort. An orderly withdrawal, however, •To avoid confusion… Groups of 25 or [email protected] tions were sunk in the river channel was not in store for the Americans… more must call in advance: 201-461-1776. PARK GROUNDS PROGRAMS n a cliff-top bluff where the Conti- SCHOOL YEAR. From September Onental Army positioned its batter- through December and March through George Washington Bridge ies over the Hudson in 1776, the 33-acre June, schoolchildren studying the grounds of Fort Lee Historic Park blend American Revolution come to Fort Path Long scenic beauty and history. Lee to experience life as recruits in an 10 At the north end of the Historic Park, eighteenth-century army. This five-hour 2 two overlooks command spectacular living history program combines discus- Hazard's Ramp views of the George Washington Bridge, sion, demonstration, and participation the Hudson River, and the skyline of up- to give students a hands-on lesson in Co- Bruce Reynolds Blvd. per Manhattan. (Restrooms and a drinking lonial life. Information about fees and Historic Park Visitor Center 1 Entrance fountain are available in season.) how to reserve for your class is avail- 2 Comfort Station In the southern portion of the Park, able at the information desk. 3 Site of fort (1776) winding pathways lead past a recon- 4 Mortar Battery 5 Barbette Battery SPECIAL EVENTS. Throughout the year, Hudson Terrace structed blockhouse to gun batteries and 6 Main Battery firing steps. Opposite the barbette battery, the Historic Park serves as a site for 7 Firing Step authentically recreated eighteenth-century cultural, historical, and recreational 8 Soldier's Hut Bigler Street 1 programs. Lecture programs are held at 9 Officer's Hut soldiers’ and officers’ huts, with a well, 10 Picnic Area woodshed, and baking oven, serve as the the Visitor Center, while at the south- 11 Block House focal point for historical programs. ern end of the Historic Park, staff and 4 volunteers can be seen interpreting 11 Main Street VISITOR CENTER eighteenth-century ways. Call or stop by the Visitor Center for details, or visit he Visitor Center is at the heart of the us online at njpalisades.org. Historic Park, providing information 7 T 3 5 River Road Shore Trail Shore 9 on the role of Fort Lee in the American Henry Hudson Drive 8 Revolution. Two floors of displays help tell the story of the tumultuous New York campaign of the fall of 1776—culminating in the Continental Army’s “Retreat to Vic- Edgewater Entrance tory” across the Jerseys. Henry Hudson Drive Construction of the 11,000 square-foot Shore Trail building began in 1974 and was completed for the American Bicentennial celebration 6 in 1976. In addition to its historical fea- tures, the facility contains a 150-seat au- H U D S O N R I V E R ditorium, a gift shop, restrooms, drinking fountain, vending machine, and informa- tion desk. The main floor is barrier-free. winter 2016 Revised: Photographs: Ira Lieblich & Anthony Taranto Map: Chris Szeglin, P.E..