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All the United States New York State New York City Brooklyn Fort Defiance

Fort Defiance

The humble fort that saved Washington.

Brooklyn, New York

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Mordy
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The first major battle of the Revolutionary War saw George Washington running with his tail between his legs through what would later become Red Hook.

Thanks to just a few cannon shots from Fort Defiance located right here (more or less….), Washington’s retreat into New York Bay during the Battle of Long Island was unhindered by the largest naval force in the world. Pretty impressive work for a modest fort!

Fort Defiance was built in the spring of 1776 and proved its worth that same August. The British were trouncing the motley American forces with sneak attacks from the rear and droves of ships ready to surround one of the most important ports of the region. As the British navy proceeded up the Bay, General Howe attacked Washington’s army from two sides.

Washington retreated, heading through Gowanus, down Red Hook Lain, and into the harbor. The British navy didn’t proceed very far into the upper harbor under the cannon attacks from Fort Defiance amid bad weather. Washington’s watery retreat to Manhattan was clear of enemies and not a single life was lost.

While the battle was ultimately lost to the British, Washington's escape helped the U.S. to eventually win the war. 

Related Tags

Natural Wonders Monuments American Revolution Nature Military

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There's a plaque in Valentino Park commemorating the location of the fort.

Community Contributors

Added By

Mordy

Edited By

Martin, eharjes

  • Martin
  • eharjes

Published

July 4, 2016

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Sources
  • http://www.placematters.net/node/1191
  • http://www.star-revue.com/red-hook-history-where-exactly-was-fort-defiance-anyway-by-connor-eugene-gaudet/#sthash.e9rrn2D4.dpbs
Fort Defiance
405 Van Brunt Street
Brooklyn
Brooklyn, New York, 11231
United States
40.675468, -74.015028
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