Fort Lee in Bergen County, New Jersey — The American Northeast (Mid-Atlantic)
General George Washington
1732-1799
General Washington was in Fort Lee many times during the Battle of New York. His main headquarters was in Hackensack, but had a temporary headquarters in Fort Lee near Anderson Avenue and Elizabeth Street. His main objective in Fort Lee was to observe and see that Fort Washington, across the Hudson River, was well prepared for the coming battle with British forces. He also wanted to make sure that the British fleet did not sail up the Hudson River. By standing on the top of the palisades in Fort Lee, he had a good view of what was going on in the Battle of New York. General Washington was responsible for changing the name of the town from Fort Constitution to Fort Lee.
Erected 2004 by Borough of Fort Lee.
Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Forts and Castles • Settlements & Settlers • War, US Revolutionary • Waterways & Vessels. In addition, it is included in the Former U.S. Presidents: #01 George Washington, and the George Washington Slept Here series lists.
Location. 40° 50.932′ N, 73° 58.16′ W. Marker is in Fort Lee, New Jersey, in Bergen County. Marker is on Palisade Avenue, on the left when traveling south. Marker is at the Palisade Avenue entrance to Monument Park. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Fort Lee NJ 07024, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. General Hugh Mercer (within shouting distance of this marker); General Nathaniel Greene (within shouting distance of this marker); Thomas Paine (within shouting distance of this marker); General John “Black Jack” Pershing (within shouting distance of this marker); Soldiers of the American Revolution (within shouting distance of this marker); Liberty Tree Memorial (within shouting distance of this marker); Fort Lee Road (about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line); Old Army Road (about 300 feet away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Fort Lee.
Related markers. Click here for a list of markers that are related to this marker. This set of markers is located in Fort Lee’s Monument Park.
Also see . . . Battle of Fort Washington. American Revolutionary War website entry (Submitted on August 31, 2021, by Larry Gertner of New York, New York.)
Credits. This page was last revised on October 1, 2021. It was originally submitted on May 7, 2008, by Bill Coughlin of Woodland Park, New Jersey. This page has been viewed 2,062 times since then and 32 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4. submitted on May 7, 2008, by Bill Coughlin of Woodland Park, New Jersey. • Kevin W. was the editor who published this page.