Fort Lee in Bergen County, New Jersey — The American Northeast (Mid-Atlantic)
Fort Lee Historic Park
Photographed by Bill Coughlin, April 25, 2008
1. Fort Lee Historic Park Marker
Beneath these cliffs, Henry Hudson’s Half-Moon was welcomed by the Lenni Lenape Indians on September 3, 1609.
Nearly 167 years later, this giant Bluff Rock became a strategic stronghold in the American War for Independence as the conflict raged within view of this spot from early July through November 20, 1776. Around this fortification, first called “The Mountain,” then “Fort Constitution” and later “Fort Lee,” the American defense fought for control of the Hudson River.
General Washington laid out the emplacements on this site to delay British plans to crush the American rebellion.
Fort Lee, furnished with heavy artillery and paired with Manhattan’s Fort Washington, located across the river, served as a formidable obstacle to British warships attempting to sail along the Hudson River.
Erected by Fort Lee Historic Park .
Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Forts and Castles • War, US Revolutionary. In addition, it is included in the Battlefield Trails - Revolutionary War, and the Former U.S. Presidents: #01 George Washington series lists. A significant historical month for this entry is September 1935.
Location. 40° 51.069′ N, 73° 57.761′ W. Marker is in Fort Lee, New Jersey, in
this page online
Regionally, this marker is in New Jersey’s North Jersey, in Greater Newark, and in the New York City Metropolitan Area. It is also in the American Northeast and in the Mid-Atlantic. 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: Palisades Interstate Park (within shouting distance of this marker); Mortar Battery (about 400 feet away, measured in a direct line); Military Magazine (about 500 feet away); The American Crisis (about 700 feet away); Protection of the Hudson River (about 700 feet away); Washington’s Retreat to Victory (approx. 0.2 miles away); Abatis Construction at Fort Lee (approx. 0.2 miles away); Musketry Breastwork (approx. 0.2 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Fort Lee.
More about this marker. The right side of the marker contains a map of Fort Lee Historic Park, showing walking trails, batteries and overlooks.
Related markers. Click here for a list of markers that are related to this marker. This series of markers follow the walking tour of Fort Lee Historic Park.
Also see . . .
1. Battle of Fort Washington. American Revolutionary War website entry (Submitted on August 30, 2021, by Larry Gertner of New York, New York.)
2. Washington's Retreat Through Jersey. General Atomic website entry (Submitted on May 15, 2008, by Bill Coughlin of Woodland Park, New Jersey.)
Photographed by Bill Coughlin, April 25, 2008
2. Marker in Fort Lee Historic Park
Fort Lee Historic Park preserves the site of the Continental Army fortification and battery. It contains gun batteries, fortifications, soldier huts and views of New York City.
Photographed by Bill Coughlin, November 23, 2013
3. Revolutionary War Soldiers at the Marker
Photographed by Bill Coughlin, April 25, 2008
4. Marker at Visitor Center
The marker can be seen here in front of the Fort Lee Historic Park Visitor Center.
Photographed by Bill Coughlin, April 25, 2008
5. Visitor Center
The Visitor Center at Fort Lee Historic Park contains displays explaining Fort Lee's role in the Revolutionary War, including Gen. Washington's evacuation of the fort and his retreat across New Jersey in late 1776.
Credits. This page was last revised on January 7, 2025. It was originally submitted on May 15, 2008, by Bill Coughlin of Woodland Park, New Jersey. This page has been viewed 5,164 times since then and 41 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on May 15, 2008, by Bill Coughlin of Woodland Park, New Jersey. 3. submitted on November 23, 2013, by Bill Coughlin of Woodland Park, New Jersey. 4, 5. submitted on May 15, 2008, by Bill Coughlin of Woodland Park, New Jersey. • Kevin W. was the editor who published this page.
