Battle of Sag Harbor (Meigs Raid)
Long Island
May 23-24, 1777
American victory
In late May 1777, Colonel Return Jonathan Meigs led 170 soldiers from the Continental Army across the Long Island Sound and Little Peconic Bay to attack British fortifications and ships in Sag Harbor. The raid provided a morale boost for the Continental Army, which captured 90 prisoners and destroyed British supplies without a single American casualty.
The British fortifications at Sag Harbor were located at what is today the Whaler’s Church Old Burying Ground. Courtesy of Wikimedia Commons.
Erected in 1902 near the Old Burying Ground, this monument commemorates the Battle of Sag Harbor, also known as Meigs Raid. Courtesy of the Sag Harbor Historical Museum.
After crossing the Long Island Sound, Col. Meigs and his soldiers carried their whaleboats across land to reach the Little Peconic Bay, as depicted in this colored woodcut. Courtesy of Cutchogue-New Suffolk Historical Council & Museums.
The Continental Congress awarded Col. Meigs this presentation sword for his leadership and bravery. Courtesy of the Smithsonian Institution Collection.