As the United States approaches its 250th birthday, NYC still resonates with the history of the fight for freedom known as the American Revolution.
The British occupied and conducted the war from NYC, the scene of key battles, spy intrigue and military raids. However, the British troops, known as Redcoats, were overconfident in their military capabilities. Little did they know during their 7-year occupation of NYC that the colonists, with only a standing militia at first, would win the war.
When the American Revolution started on July 4, 1776, with the signing of the Declaration of Independence to establish the United States, NYC went from a battleground to the bustling metropolis that it is today.
Here are some little-known facts about NYC’s role in the American Revolution:
George Washington’s Manhattan digs: The Morris-Jumel Mansion in Washington Heights (a town named after you-know-who), was originally built long before the war for British military officer Roger Morris, but it later served as headquarters for General George Washington. Today, it is a New York landmark, and is known to be the oldest house in Manhattan.
Battle of Brooklyn: In August 1776, General Washington was forced to retreat to Manhattan because the British army outmaneuvered and overwhelmed the colonial soldiers who made the Continental forces.
Fort Washington falls: This was a major British victory on Manhattan island. It was a disaster for the Continental Army, as they lost valuable weapons, ammunition and supplies as thousands of soldiers were captured.
Where is Nathan Hale? The British executed American patriot Nathan Hale, but the exact location of where he was killed is not known. Although it can not be confirmed, it is believed he was hanged on Sept. 22, 1776, near 63rd Street and First Avenue.
His body has never been found, but there is a 13-foot bronze figure of him standing in City Hall Park.
Broadway-Lafayette is more than a subway stop: Lafayette Street in SoHo was named after a French hero of the Revolutionary War, Marquis de Lafayette. He was part of Continental Army.
In fact…: Other streets in Manhattan were named after early figures in American history, including Alexander McDougall (MacDougal Street), Hugh Mercer, David Wooster, William Houstoun (Houston Street), Henry Rutgers (Henry Street) and George Clinton (Clinton Street).
There was a holiday called Evacuation Day: Fighting in NYC ended in 1781 (the actual war ended in 1783), but the British stuck around for a couple more years. On Nov. 25, 1783, they finally left, leaving New Yorkers – with their new-found independence– celebrating as they reclaimed the city. Evacuation Day became a holiday for a bit, but it gradually faded away and was nearly forgotten by World War I.
Alexander Hamilton is buried at Trinity Church: As New Yorkers rush by this Lower Manhattan church to get to work, grab a bus or sight-see, but they might not know it is also the final resting place for Alexander Hamilton, a Founding Father and first Secretary of the Treasury of the United States.
Staten Island sided with Britain: It’s true…Many Staten Islanders were staunchly pro-British! They even welcomed British troops when they arrived on the island in 1776.
Staten Island spies: Despite the island’s loyalty to the British, General Washington had a handful of spies on Staten Island, including the Mersereau Ring. This spy network by the Mersereau family secretly stayed behind enemy lines, gathering key info on British moves.
Their intelligence helped Washington avoid British traps. Today, a plaque commemorates the service of the Mersereaus at the Reformed Protestant Dutch Church on Staten Island.
Backlash at Bowling Green: Days after the signing of the Declaration of Independence, patriots marched along Broadway to Bowling Green park, where they pulled down a statue of the tyrant King George III. According to the Smithsonian, the group melted down metal from the statue to cast more than 42,000 bullets for the Continental forces.
Massacre in Kingsbridge: British troops ambushed and killed a Mohican Chief named Daniel Nimham and 17 warriors of his warriors in what is present day Van Cortland Park in the Bronx. The Mohican tribe at this time was aligned with the Continental Army. The incident is known as the Battle of Kingsbridge.
Prison ships: The British used abandoned ships to house American prisoners of war off Wallabout Bay near the Brooklyn Navy Yard. The prisoners were not treated well, as the British troops considered them traitors to the monarchy. It is estimated over 11,000 prisoners died here.
Dinner Downtown: The Sons of Liberty used Fraunces Tavern, which still exists today, in Lower Manhattan to hold secret meetings about their cause. In 1783, General Washington bid farewell to his officers with a dinner at the historic site, which today is a museum and restaurant.
