Prospect Park in Brooklyn in Kings County, New York — The American Northeast (Mid-Atlantic)

Site of the Dongan Oak

Photographed by Bill Coughlin, November 1, 2008

1. Site of the Dongan Oak Marker

Inscription. At the Battle of Long Island, on the hill to the north of this spot, the Americans had a redoubt with two guns, to guard the old Valley Grove Road, called by the early settlers the “Porte”, meaning gate-way through the hills, and which ran in front of this monument. By that road stood a white-oak, mentioned in the patent of Governor Dongan, November 12, 1685, as a marker between Flatbush and Brooklyn. This tree was cut down and thrown across the road. With the dense woods on the south and swamps on the north, it made an important obstruction.

Americans, commanded by General Sullivan, valiantly defended this position against the Hessian General De Heister, until attacked from the rear by British troops, under General Clinton, then they retired in good order, bringing off their artillery.

Lower Plaque:This Monument
dedicated on
November 25, 1922
was restored by
The Prospect Park Alliance.

Alexander Ettl,
the original caster
recreated F. W. Ruckstull’s
eagle and plaque.

Rededicated
June 6, 1991

Erected 1991 by Prospect Park Alliance.

Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Notable Events • Notable Places

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• War, US Revolutionary. A significant historical month for this entry is June 1776.

Location. 40° 39.965′ N, 73° 57.992′ W. Marker is in Brooklyn, New York, in Kings County. It is in Prospect Park. It is on East Drive, on the right when traveling north. Marker is on East Drive in Prospect Park. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Brooklyn NY 11225, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Regionally, this marker is in New York City

and on Long Island.

It is also in the American Northeast,

in the Mid-Atlantic,

and on the Eastern Seaboard. Globally, it is in the North Atlantic Region,

North America,

the Western Hemisphere,

the Western World,

and the Anglosphere.

Historically, it finds itself in what was once New Netherland

and also one of the original Thirteen Colonies.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker: Historic Marker of Battle Pass (within shouting distance of this marker); Line of Defense (within shouting distance of this marker); Taiwan Blue Pheasant (about 400 feet away, measured in a direct line); Rock Garden (about 700 feet away); a different marker

Lower Plaque image. Click for full size.

Photographed by Bill Coughlin, November 1, 2008

2. Lower Plaque

also named The Rock Garden (about 700 feet away); Weeping Beech (about 800 feet away); Living Land Acknowledgement (approx. 0.2 miles away); a different marker also named Living Land Acknowledgement (approx. 0.2 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Brooklyn.

Also see . . .
1. Battle of Long Island, August 27, 1776. (Submitted on November 1, 2008, by Bill Coughlin of Woodland Park, New Jersey.)
2. The Battle of Long Island 1776. A British perspective of the battle from BritishBattles.com. (Submitted on November 1, 2008, by Bill Coughlin of Woodland Park, New Jersey.)

Marker with Eagle image. Click for full size.

Photographed by Bill Coughlin, November 1, 2008

3. Marker with Eagle

Marker in Prospect Park image. Click for full size.

Photographed by Bill Coughlin, November 1, 2008

4. Marker in Prospect Park

The lower plaque is visible in this photo at the base of the monument.

Battle Pass Marker image. Click for full size.

Photographed by Bill Coughlin, November 1, 2008

5. Battle Pass Marker

This marker is one of three located in Battle Pass in Brooklyn's Prospect Park.

Eagle from Marker image. Click for full size.

Photographed by Bill Coughlin, November 1, 2008

6. Eagle from Marker

The original eagle from this monument was stolen in 1974. This replacement was based on historic photographs, and was rededicated on June 6, 1991.

Photographed by Bill Coughlin, November 1, 2008

7. Battle Pass

This pass, just north of the marker, was blocked by obstructions that included the Dongan Oak. During the Battle of Long Island, the American troops held off the Hessians from this position.

Credits. This page was last revised on January 31, 2023. It was originally submitted on November 1, 2008, by Bill Coughlin of Woodland Park, New Jersey. This page has been viewed 2,637 times since then and 114 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7. submitted on November 1, 2008, by Bill Coughlin of Woodland Park, New Jersey.