November 16
British Capture Fort Washington in Revolutionary War
British and Hessian forces overran the final major Patriot stronghold on Manhattan, capturing nearly three thousand American troops and supplies in one of the Continental Army's heaviest early defeats.
Summary
Early in the American Revolutionary War, General George Washington's Continental Army faced repeated setbacks in the New York campaign against superior British forces under William Howe. Fort Washington, a key defensive position at the northern tip of Manhattan overlooking the Hudson River, held the last major Patriot garrison on the island after earlier retreats. On November 16, 1776, British and Hessian troops launched a coordinated three-pronged assault involving thousands of soldiers supported by naval gunfire. Despite fierce resistance from American defenders, the fort fell after several hours of fighting, resulting in the capture of nearly 3,000 Patriot troops and substantial supplies. The loss forced Washington to abandon Manhattan entirely and retreat across New Jersey.
Context
By the autumn of 1776, British commanders sought to secure New York City and its harbor as a base for operations against the rebellious colonies. General William Howe’s army had already driven Continental forces from Long Island in August and landed on Manhattan in mid-September, prompting General George Washington to shift most of his troops northward while leaving a garrison to hold the northern tip of the island.
What Happened
Fort Washington stood on high ground overlooking the Hudson River, supported by Fort Lee directly across the water in New Jersey. The two positions, together with river obstructions, were meant to prevent British warships from moving upstream. Washington had considered evacuating the fort after his defeat at White Plains in late October, but he deferred to subordinates who argued it remained defensible and useful for controlling the river crossing.
Aftermath
On the morning of November 16, Howe launched a three-pronged attack. British troops under Hugh Percy advanced from the south and east while Hessian forces commanded by Wilhelm von Knyphausen struck from the north, supported by artillery and naval gunfire. American defenders led by Colonel Robert Magaw offered determined resistance along some lines, yet the outer works were quickly overrun. By afternoon the fort was surrounded on land and threatened from the water, and Magaw capitulated.
Legacy
The surrender brought the loss of roughly 2,800 prisoners along with arms, ammunition, and other stores. Washington, who had crossed to Fort Lee the previous day, watched the action from across the river but lacked the strength to intervene. British forces soon consolidated their hold on Manhattan and eastern New Jersey.
Why It Matters
The defeat represented one of the Continental Army's worst losses early in the war, severely depleting manpower and morale while allowing British control of New York City as a strategic base for the remainder of the conflict. It underscored the challenges of defending fixed positions against amphibious and combined-arms operations, prompting Washington to adopt more mobile guerrilla-style tactics that sustained the Patriot cause through later victories.
Related Questions
Why was Fort Washington considered important?
It guarded the northern end of Manhattan and, together with Fort Lee, was meant to block British ships from sailing up the Hudson River.
Who commanded the American garrison?
Colonel Robert Magaw led the roughly 3,000 defenders inside the fort.
How many Americans were captured?
Nearly 2,800 Patriot soldiers were taken prisoner when the fort surrendered.
What happened to the prisoners afterward?
Many were confined aboard British prison ships in New York Harbor, where disease and harsh conditions caused high mortality.
Did George Washington order the fort abandoned beforehand?
He gave discretionary instructions to evacuate but ultimately accepted advice from generals Greene and others to hold the position.
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US Military Atlas: British Capture Fort Washington in Revolutionary War connects to military history, war consequences, or postwar diplomacy.
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Sources
- Battle of Fort Washington, Wikipedia. Accessed 2026-07-07.
- British capture Fort Washington, History.com. Accessed 2026-07-07.