Battle Description

The Battle of Fort Washington was a devastating loss for the Continental Army during the British campaign to secure New York. Fort Washington, located on a high bluff overlooking the Hudson River, was the last American stronghold on Manhattan Island. Despite General George Washington’s advice to evacuate, the garrison commander, Colonel Robert Magaw, chose to defend the fort.

On November 16, 1776, British and Hessian forces under General William Howe launched a coordinated assault from multiple directions. After intense fighting, the overwhelmed American defenders surrendered. The British captured thousands of troops and large quantities of supplies.

Outcome

• Outcome: British victory; fort captured and garrison surrendered.
• Casualties:
  • American: ~59 killed, ~96 wounded, ~2,800 captured
  • British/Hessian: ~84 killed, ~374 wounded

Significance on the Revolution

The fall of Fort Washington was one of the worst defeats for the Continental Army in 1776. It led to the loss of Fort Lee across the Hudson and forced Washington’s army into a desperate retreat across New Jersey. The defeat also intensified criticism of American leadership and underscored the need for better coordination and intelligence. Despite the setback, the Continental Army would rebound weeks later with surprise victories at Trenton and Princeton.