American Revolution Battle Sites

Maps of Revolutionary War battles that were fought in the Middle Atlantic region are highlighted here as examples. These battles are often shown on larger regional maps as well, particularly on Virginia and New Jersey maps of the 1770s.

Long Island, New York

Battle of Long Island as depicted in a map from 1849. catalog record

The following passage from the Historical Guide to the City of New York, compiled by the City History Club of New York in 1909, vividly depicts the Battle of Long Island, a map and battle plans for which are shown here.

“The British, landing on Long Island in August, 1776, found that the Americans had covered three of the four roads leading to Brooklyn, where fortifications had been thrown up from Gowanus to Fort Putnam, now fort Greene. The fourth, a roundabout way on the Jamaica Road, had been neglected and the strategic importance of this pass was at once recognized by the British. General Howe, sending two detachments under Grant by the shore road to Gowanus, and a column of Hessians under DeHeister by the middle pass, himself took the Jamaica Road.

The battle began on August 27, when Grant's men met the Americans under Stirling, and pushed them back toward the position (now covered by Greenwood Cemetery) occupied by Sullivan. In the meantime Howe, on reaching Howard Half Way House on the Jamaica Road, turned sharply to the west and soon came unexpectedly on the rest of Sullivan's men. The Hessians, who had hitherto remained inactive, then pushed hard on the front and the Americans were forced to retreat, Sullivan being captured. Immediately Howe sent forward troops against Stirling, while Grant, made aware of this movement, pressed heavily against them and here again the Americans, caught in a trap, were compelled to retreat, losing Stirling. The day of disaster to the Americans closed with an exhibition of devoted bravery on the part of the Maryland regiment who held back the British until their struggling companions could reach safety. The British did not push the advantage gained and thus gave Washington opportunity, under cover of a fog, to transport all his men safely to New York."