Stony Point in Rockland County, New York — The American Northeast (Mid-Atlantic)
British Defenses: The Upper Works
The Upper Works was the main British defensive position. As in the Outer Works, an abatis spanned the width of the peninsula. Included in the abatis were artillery positions, but these weapons, mostly heavy ship guns, were intended for long-range, daytime targets and were kept unloaded at night when an attack was not considered likely. The guns were also extremely cumbersome. Brigadier General James Pattison described the difficulty of hauling cannon to the summit of Stony Point when the British were fortifying the peninsula:
scarcely able to get up a heavy 12 [pounder] …. ”
Four companies of the 17th Regiment and a detachment from the Loyal American Regiment were posted in the Upper Works, but the fortification was unfinished, being open on the east side toward the river. Scouts had informed the British commander, Lieutenant Colonel Henry Johnson, that Americans meant to attack Stony Point, and he eliminated passwords so noone could enter the fortifications at night. He also divided his forces in anticipation of a daytime assault. In the darkness and confusion of the battle, the men in the advanced posts could not retreat in time to defend the Upper Works. Had the upper fortifications been completed and the entire garrison posted there, the Light Infantry might have been repulsed.
Erected by Stony Point Battlefield State Historic Site.
Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Notable Events • Notable Places • War, US Revolutionary.
Location. 41° 14.47′ N, 73° 58.416′ W. Marker is in Stony Point, New York, in Rockland County. Marker can be reached from Stony Point Park Road, on the left when traveling east. Marker is on the walking trail at the Stony Point Battlefield State Historic Site. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Stony Point NY 10980, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. “… the enemy entered the upper work at the barrier at the same time I did.” (within shouting distance of this marker); “By the light occasioned by the flash of the gun I could perceive a body of them...” (within shouting distance of this marker); Stony Point Battlefield Today (within shouting distance of this marker); “For God’s sake, why is the Artillery here not being made use of?” (within shouting distance of this marker); “The fort and garrison, with Col. Johnson, are ours.” (within shouting distance of this marker); “… with the greatest Intrepidity and coolness.” (about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line); Capture of Stony Point (about 300 feet away); The British Occupy Stony Point (about 400 feet away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Stony Point.
More about this marker. The upper left of the marker contains an 18-century map of Stony Point Battlefield by British Lt. William Marshall, 63rd Regiment of Foot with the Upper Works and inner abatis of the fort highlighted. The map is reproduced courtesy of the Historical Society of Pennsylvania. The marker also contains a “Drawing of a soldier of the Loyal American Regiment (Loyalist Corps), British Army, c. 1779, by Alexander R. Cattley. Reproduced courtesy of The New York Historical Society, New York City. The lower left of the marker also contains a map of the walking tour of the Stony Point Battlefield.
Related markers. Click here for a list of markers that are related to this marker. This series of markers follow the walking tour of the Stony Point Battlefield.
Also see . . .
1. Stony Point Battlefield State Historic Site. New York State Parks, Recreation and Historical resources website entry (Submitted on September 21, 2008, by Bill Coughlin of Woodland Park, New Jersey.)
2. The Battle of Stoney (sic) Point. American Revolution War website entry (Submitted on September 21, 2008, by Bill Coughlin of Woodland Park, New Jersey.)
Credits. This page was last revised on August 24, 2021. It was originally submitted on September 21, 2008, by Bill Coughlin of Woodland Park, New Jersey. This page has been viewed 872 times since then and 10 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on September 21, 2008, by Bill Coughlin of Woodland Park, New Jersey. 3. submitted on August 12, 2014, by Bill Coughlin of Woodland Park, New Jersey. 4, 5, 6, 7. submitted on September 21, 2008, by Bill Coughlin of Woodland Park, New Jersey.