Landing at Kip’s Bay
New York City
September 15, 1776
British victory
On September 15, 1776, British forces launched an amphibious assault at Kip’s Bay on Manhattan’s east side. Equipped with five warships, 80 cannons, and thousands of soldiers in 84 flatboats, the troops overwhelmed an inexperienced Connecticut militia of about 500 men protecting the area, who fled under intense attack. The collapse and retreat of the American defenses opened the way for British control of New York City.
The British landing at Kip's Bay, New York Island, 15 September 1776, by Robert Cleveley, c. 1777. Public Domain, Creative Commons.
A 1781 British map depicting “York Island,” today known as Manhattan. Note Kip's Bay on the East River, labeled "Kepp's Bay." The deep waters of Kip’s Bay were eventually filled in and make up modern East 32nd to 38th Streets. Map courtesy of Norman B. Levinson Map Center, Boston Public Library.
“Chart and Plan of the Harbour of New York & the Couny. adjacent…” by
John Lodge, c. 178.
Views of the 34th Street waterfront and helipad in today’s Kip’s Bay neighborhood.