Long+Island++White+Plains++Fort+Washington

The Battle of Long Island- Between the northern and southern colonies, New York was viewed as the focal point for communications which the British viewed as a strategic importance. Washington was aware of this also. In April of 1776, he and his troops marched from Boston all the way to New York. On the western end of Long Island is where he positioned his troops anticipating the arrival of British troops. On August 22, the British were preparing to cross into Long Island from Staten Island. The British landed in Long Island at dawn. British General William Howe defeated General Lee in the Battle of Long Island. It was fought in Jamaica Pass in Brooklyn. 970 men from the colonies were killed while only 63 British were killed. Washington lost almost a quarter of his command.

The Battle of White Plains- For almost a month Washington rested at Harlem Heights in September 1776, watching for movements of Howe. On October 12, Howe voyaged a large portion of his army in 90 flat boats and landed on Throgg's Neck by West Chester County. Washington had sent his men to occupy lower West Chester. After while they both met in battle at the village of White Planes. At the end of the battle, around 1:30 the British surrendered. Not more than one hundred troops were hurt and killed on the rebel side.

Battle at Fort Washington- William Howe looked to capture the last American stronghold at Fort Washington. On November 16, they launched there attack on the fort. They attacked from the north, east, and south. At the beginning of the attack the south and west defense fell quickly to the British. After while Robert Magaw decided to surrender. There were 154 casualties on the American side while Britain lost 428 troops. This battle paved the way for Trenton and Princeton.