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Interesting US History
A Website Devoted to Interesting Events in U.S. History

 

 
 

 

ON THIS DAY IN UNITED STATES HISTORY

November 16, 1776

British Troops Capture Fort Washington
During the American Revolution

On this day in 1776 British troops captured Fort Washington which was located near the north end of Manhattan Island. Fort Washington (and Fort Lee on the opposite side of the Hudson River) were built to prevent the British from traveling up the river.

The fort was defended by about 2,900 Continental Army troops and militia commanded by Colonel Robert Magaw. At first Magaw refused to surrender, however eventually the Americans were overwhelmed.

Shortly before the collapse of that fort, Washington had escaped to Fort Lee, but four days later that fort was abandoned also. What remained of Washington's army was forced to retreat to Pennsylvania.