Carlisle in Cumberland County, Pennsylvania — The American Northeast (Mid-Atlantic)
Col. Robert Magaw
In 1776 George Washington's army retreated from New York City, leaving Fort Washington as the sole remaining American outpost on the island of Manhattan. Congress demanded that the fort be held, and Col. Magaw was put in command of the fort's 2800 men. On Nov. 15, 1776, after Col. Magaw refused General Howe's demand to surrender saying “I am determined to defend the post to the very last extremity,” Howe's forces charged the fort. Overwhelmed, Magaw was forced to surrender resulting in a serious loss of trained soldiers as well as damaged American morale.
Col. Magaw was held prisoner of war in the home of Rutgert Van Brunt at Gravesend, Long Island until October, 1780. He married Van Brunt's daughter Marrieta and returned with her to Carlisle.
Col. Magaw served as a Member of the Pennsylvania Legislature in 1781-2 and in 1783 became a Charter Member of the Board of Trustees of Dickinson College. He died in Carlisle in 1790.
At the 1901 dedication of the monument at the site of Fort Washington, an historian called Magaw the “most gallant figure of the Revolution,” and his most “sublime personal hero.”
Erected by Historic Carlisle, Inc. (Marker Number 9.)
Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Government & Politics • Patriots & Patriotism • War, US Revolutionary. A significant historical month for this entry is June 1775.
Location. 40° 12.041′ N, 77° 11.343′ W. Marker is in Carlisle, Pennsylvania, in Cumberland County. Marker is at the intersection of Hanover Street (Pennsylvania Route 34) and Liberty Avenue, on the right when traveling north on Hanover Street. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 3 S Hanover Street, Carlisle PA 17013, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. Blaine House (here, next to this marker); Green Tree Inn (a few steps from this marker); The McClintock Riot (within shouting distance of this marker); Old Town Pump (within shouting distance of this marker); Carlisle Court House (within shouting distance of this marker); Market House Square (within shouting distance of this marker); Carlisle Public Square (within shouting distance of this marker); Historic Downtown Carlisle (within shouting distance of this marker). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Carlisle.
Also see . . . Robert Magaw. Wikipedia biography. (Submitted on June 4, 2020, by Larry Gertner of New York, New York.)
Credits. This page was last revised on July 2, 2023. It was originally submitted on February 4, 2009, by William Fischer, Jr. of Scranton, Pennsylvania. This page has been viewed 1,440 times since then and 17 times this year. Photos: 1. submitted on December 19, 2021, by Shane Oliver of Richmond, Virginia. 2. submitted on February 4, 2009, by William Fischer, Jr. of Scranton, Pennsylvania. 3. submitted on August 21, 2010, by Bill Coughlin of Woodland Park, New Jersey. • Kevin W. was the editor who published this page.