Brooklyn Heights in Kings County, New York — The American Northeast (Mid-Atlantic)
Brookland Ferry Landing
the Brookland Ferry Landing from which point the American Army embarked during the night of August 29th, 1776 under the direction of General George Washington! ably assisted by Colonel John Glover of Marblehead, Massachusetts?
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On March 17, 1776 the British Army evacuated Boston and prepared to launch an assault on New York. By August 22, 1776 the British had assembled 200 vessels carrying 30,000 soldiers to attack New York.
The Battle of Long Island began on August 27, 1776. Surrounded and outnumbered, the American Army retreated to their fortifications protecting the Village of Brooklyn and the ferry crossing.
“It is a matter of the utmost importance to prevent the enemy from taking possession of the City of New York and the North River, as they will thereby command the country.”
“The fate of unborn millions will now depend on the courage and conduct of this army. We have, therefore, to resolve to conquer or die.”
“Remember, officers and soldiers, that you are freemen fighting for the blessings of liberty.”
Erected 1929 by Brooklyn Bridge Plaza Association.
Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: War, US Revolutionary. In addition, it is included in the Former U.S. Presidents: #01 George Washington series list. A significant historical month for this entry is January 1755.
Location. 40° 42.193′ N, 73° 59.697′ W. Marker is in Brooklyn, New York, in Kings County. It is in Brooklyn Heights. Marker is at the intersection of Old Fulton Street and Furman Street, on the right when traveling west on Old Fulton Street. Marker is located on the waterfront at the Fulton Ferry Landing. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Brooklyn NY 11201, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. Fulton Street Pier (a few steps from this marker); History in the Park (within shouting distance of this marker); Brooklyn City Railroad Company Building (within shouting distance of this marker); The Builders of the Bridge (about 400 feet away, measured in a direct line); 1883 New York Harbor (about 400 feet away); The Brooklyn Bridge (about 400 feet away); Manhattan North of the Bridge to Canal Street (about 400 feet away); No. 1 Front Street Conversion (about 500 feet away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Brooklyn.
More about this marker. One of the adjacent markers contains a map of Brooklyn prior to the August 27, 1776 battle.
Also see . . . Correcting the date. As shown on this link to a General Order George Washington wrote, he wrote what's quoted on bronze tablet No. 5 on July 2nd, not July 22. (Submitted on July 18, 2023.)
Credits. This page was last revised on July 18, 2023. It was originally submitted on April 24, 2010, by Bill Coughlin of Woodland Park, New Jersey. This page has been viewed 2,011 times since then and 190 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10. submitted on April 24, 2010, by Bill Coughlin of Woodland Park, New Jersey. 11, 12. submitted on May 17, 2010, by R. C. of College Station, Texas. 13. submitted on April 24, 2010, by Bill Coughlin of Woodland Park, New Jersey.