Washington Heights in Manhattan in New York County, New York — The American Northeast (Mid-Atlantic)
Colonel Robert Magaw
Photographed by Madison E Brading, September 30, 2025
1. Colonel Robert Magaw Marker
marks the position of
"The Third Line of Defense"
and commemorates the bravery of
Colonel Robert Magaw
and his three thousand men
at the Battle of Fort Washington
16 November 1776
Erected 1909 by Mary Washington Colonial Chapter, D.A.R.
Topics. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: War, US Revolutionary. A significant historical date for this entry is November 16, 1776.
Location. 40° 50.108′ N, 73° 56.628′ W. Marker is in Manhattan, New York, in New York County. It is in Washington Heights. It is at the intersection of West 159th Street and Broadway, on the left when traveling west on West 159th Street. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 573 W 159th Street, New York NY 10032, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Regionally, this marker is in New York City. 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
this page online
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker: El Cid (approx. 0.2 miles away); Berthold Nebel (1889-1964) (approx. 0.2 miles away); A Gem in the Heights: The Hispanic Society on Audubon Terrace (approx. 0.2 miles away); Church of Our Lady of Esperanza (approx. 0.2 miles away); Audubon Terrace Historic District (approx. 0.2 miles away); The Church of the Intercession (approx. 0.2 miles away); Regina Andrews (approx. ¼ mile away); Audubon Park Historic District (approx. ¼ mile away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Manhattan.
More about this marker. The tablet is located on the building then known as Knowlton Court, at the southeast corner of Broadway and West 159th Street. The date of dedication — November 16, 1909 — marked the 133rd anniversary of the battle.
Regarding Colonel Robert Magaw. The Battle of Fort Washington took place on November 16, 1776. British and Hessian forces under General William Howe attacked the American fortifications on the northern tip of Manhattan. Despite determined resistance, Colonel Magaw’s garrison was overwhelmed. The fall of the fort was one of the most significant American defeats of the New York campaign. It was followed days later by the fall of Fort Lee, across the Hudson River, which forced Washington’s Continental Army into a desperate retreat across New Jersey.
Also see . . .
1. Robert Magaw (Wikipedia). (Submitted on September 23, 2026, by Michael Herrick of Southbury, Connecticut.)
2. Battle of Fort Washington (Wikipedia). (Submitted on September 23, 2026, by Michael Herrick of Southbury, Connecticut.)
Credits. This page was last revised on September 24, 2026. It was originally submitted on September 14, 2026, by Madison E Brading of New York, New York. This page has been viewed 14 times since then. Last updated on September 23, 2026, by Tandy Meng of New York, New York. Photo 1. submitted on September 14, 2026, by Madison E Brading of New York, New York. • Devry Becker Jones was the editor who published this page.
Editor’s want-list for this marker. A wide view photo of the marker and its surroundings. • Can you help?
