1. Battle of Fort Washington
November 16th, 1776 By
Sean Vitti

2. Belligerents and Defenders
American Continental Army defending Fort Washington
British and Hessian troops attacking the Fort

3. Location Last remaining American position in Manhattan
Commanded by Colonel Robert Magaw

4. British Plan General Howe proposes three pronged attack of the Fort.
General Percy would attack the Fort from the South
General Matthews would attack via amphibious landing towards the east across the Hudson River
Main attack on American forces under Rawlings by Hessian troops under the command of General Von Knyphausen

5. Hessians Mercenary units hired to fight along side British Regulars.
In this engagement, General Von Knyphausen commanded a unit of Hessian soldiers.
General Von Knyphausen – New York Public Library – Digital Library

6. Day of Attack
Hessian troops, under General Von Knyphausen attack first.
American retreat back to Fort.
Fort encircled by British troops under General Percy, General Mathews, and the Hessians
Americans within Fort Washington forced to surrender

7. Result
Fort Lee deemed “untenable”; Washington pulls remaining supplies from base.
Last of American forces removed from Manhattan Island.
British casualties: 84 dead, 374 wounded
American casualties: 59 dead, 96 wounded, 2,837 captured.

8. Fort Washington Today
Park managed by City of New York Parks & Recreation.
Located Riverside Dr., Hudson River, W. 155 St. to W. 179 St. Manhattan

9. References http://www.britishbattles.com/fort-washington.htm
Continental Soldier
Hessian Soldier
Fort Washington