W23 D1 - The American Revolution - The Battle of Quebec and the Campaign for New York - The Adventure Box Podcast

A Detailed Timeline of Major and Minor Operations

The year 1776 was pivotal for the American Revolution, with intense military activity concentrated in New York and New Jersey. These campaigns saw dramatic changes in fortune for both the Continental Army and the British forces, shaping the future of the conflict. Below is a detailed timeline of key events in New York and New Jersey during this year, alongside notable actions occurring in other parts of the colonies.

 

Timeline of Events in New York and New Jersey (1776)

March 17, 1776

Evacuation of Boston

• After being pressured by the Continental Army under General George Washington, the British under General William Howe evacuate Boston. This success leads Washington to shift his focus to New York, anticipating it will be the next British target.

April 13 – June 1776

Fortifying New York City

• Washington and his Continental Army move from Boston to New York City, setting up defenses in Manhattan, Brooklyn, and along the Hudson River. Extensive fortifications are constructed on Brooklyn Heights, and forts are built on both sides of the river to control access.

June 29, 1776

British Arrival in New York

• The first ships of a massive British fleet arrive in New York Harbor. Over the next several weeks, British General Howe assembles more than 30,000 troops, including Hessian mercenaries, in preparation for an assault on New York. The fleet’s presence looms over the city, causing anxiety among the colonists.

July 2, 1776

Landing at Staten Island

• British forces under Howe land at Staten Island, just south of New York City, beginning their staging for a major campaign to take the city. From this position, Howe establishes communication with loyalists and prepares for the next phase of operations.

 

Events Outside New York and New Jersey:

July 4, 1776

Declaration of Independence

• The Continental Congress adopts the Declaration of Independence in Philadelphia. This momentous event formally separates the American colonies from British rule, though fighting had already been ongoing for over a year.

July 8, 1776

Battle of Turtle Gut Inlet, New Jersey

• A minor naval engagement between American and British forces takes place at Turtle Gut Inlet. This small battle sees the Americans successfully run a blockade, delivering supplies to Philadelphia.

 

August 22, 1776

British Landing on Long Island

• The British begin landing their main forces at Gravesend Bay, on the southwest shore of Long Island. Around 20,000 British and Hessian soldiers prepare for the coming battle against Washington’s forces entrenched in Brooklyn Heights.

August 27, 1776

Battle of Long Island (Battle of Brooklyn)

• The first major engagement of the New York campaign occurs. The British, under General Howe, outflank Washington's army and deliver a devastating blow to the Americans. Around 1,000 Americans are killed or captured. Despite the loss, Washington's forces conduct a daring nighttime retreat across the East River, avoiding complete destruction.

 

Events Outside New York and New Jersey:

September 15, 1776

Landing at Kip’s Bay, Manhattan

• British forces cross the East River from Long Island and land at Kip’s Bay, on Manhattan Island. The American militia flees in panic, and British troops advance into Manhattan with little resistance.

 

September 16, 1776

Battle of Harlem Heights

• Following the retreat from Kip’s Bay, Washington’s forces regroup at Harlem Heights, where they engage British troops in a small but morale-boosting battle. Though a minor tactical victory, the Continental Army demonstrates its ability to stand and fight.

October 9, 1776

British Attack on Fort Washington

• British naval forces attempt to move up the Hudson River but are repelled by the American-controlled Fort Washington. This fortification, located on the northern tip of Manhattan, becomes a key target in the campaign.

October 28, 1776

Battle of White Plains

• Washington, having evacuated Manhattan, moves his forces north toward White Plains. Here, the British engage in another battle. While the British manage to capture a key hilltop position, Washington skillfully withdraws his army once again, avoiding a decisive defeat.

 

Events Outside New York and New Jersey:

November 10-12, 1776

Battle of Valcour Island (Lake Champlain)

• While the New York and New Jersey campaigns raged on, an important naval battle takes place on Lake Champlain. American forces under Benedict Arnold, though defeated, slow the British advance from Canada, delaying their movement into New York until 1777.

 

November 16, 1776

Fall of Fort Washington

• British and Hessian forces launch a full assault on Fort Washington. After intense fighting, the American garrison surrenders, with nearly 3,000 men taken prisoner. This is a major blow to the Continental Army’s defensive efforts in New York.

November 20, 1776

Fall of Fort Lee

• The fall of Fort Washington leaves Fort Lee, located across the Hudson River in New Jersey, vulnerable. British forces quickly capture it, forcing Washington to begin his retreat across New Jersey.

 

Events Outside New York and New Jersey:

December 1776 – January 1777

British Conquest of Rhode Island

• As Washington retreats through New Jersey, British forces led by Sir Henry Clinton capture Newport, Rhode Island. This allows the British to establish a vital naval base in New England.

 

November 21 – December 8, 1776

Washington’s Retreat Across New Jersey

• Washington’s army, pursued by British and Hessian forces, retreats across New Jersey. The situation is dire for the Continental Army, with many soldiers deserting, and morale is at an all-time low. The Americans cross the Delaware River into Pennsylvania by December 8, leaving New Jersey largely under British control.

 

Events Outside New York and New Jersey:

December 5-7, 1776

Battle of Great Bridge, Virginia

• In another part of the colonies, American forces score a victory at the Battle of Great Bridge, forcing the British to evacuate Norfolk, Virginia.

 

December 25-26, 1776

Battle of Trenton

• In a bold counteroffensive, Washington leads his remaining forces across the ice-filled Delaware River on Christmas night. The Continental Army launches a surprise attack on the Hessian garrison in Trenton, New Jersey. The victory is decisive, with nearly 1,000 Hessians captured. This success breathes new life into the revolutionary cause and boosts morale.

January 2-3, 1777

Battle of Princeton

• Following the victory at Trenton, Washington strikes again. On January 2, he eludes British forces under General Cornwallis and attacks Princeton the next day. The British garrison is defeated, and Washington secures another important victory. These battles mark the beginning of Washington’s winter campaign, which drives British forces out of much of New Jersey.

 

Summary of Key Events

• March 17 – June 1776: The Continental Army fortifies New York in anticipation of a British attack.
• August 27, 1776: The Battle of Long Island results in a major British victory.
• September-October 1776: The British capture Manhattan in a series of battles, including the fall of Fort Washington.
• November-December 1776: Washington retreats across New Jersey as British forces overrun the region.
• December 25-26, 1776 & January 2-3, 1777: Washington’s surprise victories at Trenton and Princeton turn the tide in New Jersey.

The 1776 campaigns in New York and New Jersey demonstrated the immense challenges faced by the Continental Army. Despite suffering a string of defeats and losing New York to British control, Washington’s tactical brilliance during the retreat and his counteroffensive in New Jersey revived the revolutionary cause. The victories at Trenton and Princeton in the closing days of 1776 secured Washington’s position as a leader and proved that the fight for American independence was far from over.