Highland in Sullivan County, New York — The American Northeast (Mid-Atlantic)

Last Stand On The Rocky Hill

Revolutionary War Heritage Trail

By Bill Coughlin, July 3, 2009

1. Last Stand On The Rocky Hill Marker

Inscription. After the initial contact at the river, Col. Hathorn’s remaining force, about forty men, conducted a fighting retreat until they reached high ground. Here they took up a position about two acres in size. Sentinel Rock, where you are now, marked the approximate southwest corner of the militia “square.” The battlefield monument marks the southeastern part of the American defensive square.

Capt. Brant’s men encircled them at a distance of 100 yards or less. Tradition has long held that this is the location where Brant made his push into the heart of the militia’s defensive square. More recent research indicates that Brant’s final assault began from the northeast, not far from Hospital Rock. The militia men were now in the fight of their lives, and few would survive.

Joseph Brant later wrote:
“The Rebels soon retreated and I pursued them, until they stopt upon a Rocky Hill, round which we were employed and very busy near four hours before we could drive them out.”

Erected by New York State.

Location. 41° 29.334′ N, 74° 58.263′ W. Marker is in Highland, New York, in Sullivan County. Marker can be reached from Minisink Battle Ground Road, on the left when traveling

Marker in Minisink Battleground Park image. Click for full size.

By Bill Coughlin, July 3, 2009

2. Marker in Minisink Battleground Park

east. Touch for map. Marker is located in Minisink Battleground Park, along the Battleground Trail. Marker is in this post office area: Barryville NY 12719, United States of America.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. In Memory of Our Fallen Heroes (within shouting distance of this marker); Minisink Battle Monument (within shouting distance of this marker); Hospital Rock (within shouting distance of this marker); The Battle at Minisink (about 700 feet away, measured in a direct line); Minisink Battleground Park (about 700 feet away); Indian Rock (about 800 feet away); Brant’s Crossing (approx. 0.7 miles away); Minisink Battle July 22d 1779 (approx. 0.7 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Highland.

Related markers. Click here for a list of markers that are related to this marker. Follow the markers along the Battleground Trail in Minisink Battleground Park.

Also see . . .
1. The Battle at Minisink Ford. Minisink Valley Historical Society website. (Submitted on July 4, 2009, by Bill Coughlin of North Arlington, New Jersey.)

2. The Battle of Minisink. The American Revolutionary War website. (Submitted on July 4, 2009, by Bill Coughlin of North Arlington, New Jersey.)

Categories. • Native Americans • War, US Revolutionary •

Marker and Sentinel Rock image. Click for full size.

By Bill Coughlin, July 3, 2009

3. Marker and Sentinel Rock

Marker on the Battleground Trail image. Click for full size.

By Bill Coughlin, July 3, 2009

4. Marker on the Battleground Trail

Sentinel Rock image. Click for full size.

By Bill Coughlin, July 3, 2009

5. Sentinel Rock

It is believed that a militia sentinel standing guard was killed at this location.

Credits. This page was last revised on June 16, 2016. This page originally submitted on July 4, 2009, by Bill Coughlin of North Arlington, New Jersey. This page has been viewed 882 times since then and 17 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5. submitted on July 4, 2009, by Bill Coughlin of North Arlington, New Jersey.