'Battle of Brooklyn: The Dramatic Start to the American Revolution' Webinar

Can't make it live? Register and get access to the full replay for one week! New York Adventure Club | www.AdventureClub.com

On August 27, 1776, roughly 30,000 British soldiers and Hessian mercenaries under the command of General William Howe landed on the shores of Brooklyn to undertake a swift defeat of General Washington's ragtag Continental Army of only 10,000 troops. But thanks to stealthy tactics, a courageous militia, and a little bit of luck, the American forces were able to fight another battle and eventually win the war. From Denyse Point under the Verrazano-Narrows Bridge to Brooklyn Ferry at the foot of Fulton Street, it's time to uncover the untold stories and hidden secrets of Brooklyn's battlegrounds, where the fate of a nation hung in the balance.

Join New York Adventure Club as we explore the vital role played by the geography of Brooklyn during the Battle of Brooklyn (also known as the Battle of Long Island), the first major battle of the American Revolutionary War following the Declaration of Independence.

Led by native Brooklynite Ann McDermott, our virtual experience surrounding the dramatic conflict will include:

• The site of the first skirmish in a watermelon patch located at the intersection of Martense Road and the Gowanus Road
• A discussion surrounding Battle Hill, Brooklyn's highest point and witness the bloodiest part of the conflict where American and British forces clashed in a struggle for dominance
• A look at the site in Prospect Park where General John Sullivan's American troops faced encirclement by English and Hessian forces, marking a pivotal moment in the battle's outcome
• The historic Gowanus Creek waterway, now a canal, where American soldiers made a perilous crossing (with some meeting tragic fates)
• A survey of the remnants of Fort Defiance in Red Hook, where American artillery turned the tide against the British navy, altering the course of the battle
• Paying homage to fallen soldiers from both sides at a hidden and unmarked burial site in Red Hook, a solemn reminder of the human cost of war
• A reflection on the bravery of Marylanders led by Major Mordecai Gist, who made their stand in the face of British aggression at the historic Old Stone House landmark
• Honoring the memory of Revolutionary War patriots interred at Fort Greene Park, where over 11,500 souls rest in eternal peace
• The miraculous escape of Washington's troops from Brooklyn Ferry to Manhattan in the dead of night into a foggy morning

Afterward, we'll have a Q&A session with Ann — any and all questions are welcomed and encouraged!

Can't make it live? Don't worry, you'll have access to the full replay for one week.

See you there, virtually!

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***A full replay of the experience will be available to all registered guests for up to a week

****If the event has already passed, but it's been less than a week, you can still register for it on our website's active replay section!

About Ann

Ann McDermott, a native Brooklynite, was born down the block from where the battle happened and spent her early years playing in Prospect Park without really understanding the significance of what happened there, but now can help you understand how important this battle was to the birth of America.

Testimonials

"I lived in Brooklyn and New York for 20 years and I never knew about all of its Revolutionary history! Wish I could have learned about NY history via presentations like this, rather than just memorizing long, dead book facts." -Edwyna

"Ann McDermott's presentation was fascinating & so well researched & informative, very enjoyable, thank you!" -Mary

"It's a location my ancestors lived in and I did not know much about. The webinar was very enlightening. It was wonderfully presented." -Carol

"Presenter was great" -Michael

"The presenter was excellent! I learned a great deal." -M

"Wonderful new material worth learning about." -Jane

"A very well-researched and fascinating presentation. I especially liked the maps and plaques." -Peter

"[I liked] finding out specifics of the various skirmishes and their locations and the units and people involved." -Edward

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Categories: Virtual, Moments in History