Battle of Long Island (also known as the Battle of Brooklyn)
Long Island
August 27, 1776
British victory
The Battle of Long Island was the largest battle of the American Revolution and the first major land engagement following the Declaration of Independence. Approximately 30,000 British and American forces fought on the western part of Long Island beginning August 27, 1776. Two days later, with nearly 2,000 casualties, General George Washington ordered a nighttime retreat across the East River to Manhattan Island.
The Battle of Long Island, Retreat of the Americans under Gen. Stirling Across Gowanus Creek by Alonzo Chappel, 1858. Public Domain, Creative Commons.
“A plan of New York Island, with part of Long Island, Staten Island & East New Jersey,” created in 1776. Courtesy of the Library of Congress.
Today, visitors can explore sites in Brooklyn from the battle at the Old Stone House, the Dongan Oak Monument in Prospect Park, Battle Hill in Green-Wood Cemetery, and the Prison Ship Martyrs Monument in Fort Greene Park. Photo by Corazon Aguirre. Courtesy of the Brooklyn Daily Eagle.