Sunset Park in Brooklyn in Kings County, New York — The American Northeast (Mid-Atlantic)
The Delaware Regiment
Battle of Long Island – August 27, 1776
In the early morning of August 27, the Delawares were ordered forward to meet British troops under the command of Major General James Grant. Posted on rising ground above Gowanus Road, they held for upwards of four hours “with a firm, determined countenance, in close array…the enemy’s artillery playing on them all the time.” By 10:00 A.M., the center and left of the American Army had been enveloped and Stirling’s regiments were in danger of being surrounded by British troops advancing from their rear. Outnumbered four to one, and nearly encircled, Stirling ordered the Delaware Regiment to make a fighting retreat. With colors flying they made an orderly withdrawal, and against great odds, crossed Gowanus Creek to safety. Following the battle the Regiment’s commander reported two men killed and 25 missing, being captured, killed, or drowned during the crossing.
Noted for its discipline and bravery, the Delaware Regiment continued to serve with distinction throughout the war.
August 2001
Erected 2001 by State of Delaware.
Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Notable Events • 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 1776.
Location. 40° 39.279′ N, 74° 0.174′ W. Marker is in Brooklyn, New York, in Kings County. It is in Sunset Park. Marker is on 35th Street, on the right when traveling east. Marker is in Green-Wood Cemetery, near the 35th Street entrance. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Brooklyn NY 11232, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. Red Lion Inn (a few steps from this marker); Martense Lane Rock (about 600 feet away, measured in a direct line); New York City Airliner Disaster (approx. 0.2 miles away); 9/11 Memorial (approx. ¼ mile away); “The Greeter” / John Coleman / George Catlin (approx. 0.3 miles away); Park Slope Homes, Inc. (approx. 0.3 miles away); Korean War Irish Memorial (approx. 0.4 miles away); Parkside Association, Inc. (approx. 0.4 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 2, 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 2, 2008, by Bill Coughlin of Woodland Park, New Jersey.)
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 1,671 times since then and 22 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on November 1, 2008, by Bill Coughlin of Woodland Park, New Jersey. 4. submitted on October 20, 2013, by Bill Coughlin of Woodland Park, New Jersey.