On the night of July 15-16, 1779, Brigadier General Anthony Wayne of Pennsylvania led the American Light Infantry in a midnight assault against a British force that had occupied Stony Point. Approximately one hour later, the garrison had been . . . — — Map (db m11708) HM
In late May 1779, a British force of more than 6000 men captured the Hudson River and the small American fort at Verplanck’s Point on the opposite shore. These strategic locations guarded the southern entrance to the Hudson Highlands. The British . . . — — Map (db m11624) HM
After cutting down most of the trees at Stony Point to reduce cover for potential attackers and create a “field of fire” for artillery, the British constructed two sets of fortifications – the Outer Works, located near the present museum building – . . . — — Map (db m11626) HM
In reaction to Sir Henry Clinton’s move against Stony Point, the Continental Army marched north from New Jersey, to protect West Point, and a plan was devised to counter the British advance. Apprised of the formidable British defenses at Stony . . . — — Map (db m190324) HM
During the night of the attack, Captain Francis Tew was stationed near the abatis with four companies of the 17th Regiment, part of the total British garrison of 564 men. On this spot, a small defensive position called flech #2 had been . . . — — Map (db m11632) HM
Fleche #1 was situated on this hill, and mounted a brass 12-pounder cannon (one which fired a 12-pound ball) under the command of Lieutenant William Horndon, of the Royal Artillery. Horndon was unaware that the shots from Major Murfree’s Light . . . — — Map (db m11635) HM
The Upper Works was the main British defensive position. As in the Outer Works, an abatis spanned the width of the peninsula. Included in the abatis were artillery positions, but these weapons, mostly heavy ship guns, were intended for long-range, . . . — — Map (db m11642) HM
Here, by the innermost abatis, a British eight-inch howitzer – an artillery weapon that could hurl a 45-pound explosive shell a distance of 1900 yards – was aimed towards the shallow waters of Haverstraw Bay to guard the southern flank of Stony . . . — — Map (db m11643) HM
In front of you is the Upper Works, and inside were two flank batteries, each with large ship guns. Lieutenant John Roberts of the Royal Artillery went to the left battery, nearest the bay, after the first shots of the attack were fired: Captain . . . — — Map (db m11646) HM
You are now inside the remains of the Upper Works. Within 15 minutes of each other, the two columns of American Light Infantry converged on the flanks of these fortifications. Lieutenant Colonel Francois de Fleury, a French engineer and . . . — — Map (db m11649) HM
“I was surprised when I viewed in the morning the difficulties our troops surmounted,” wrote Captain Champion. “This piece of ground was fortified by all British art and industry ….” . . . — — Map (db m11653) HM
Although Stony Point and Verplanck’s Point became a focus of British strategy in 1779, they had shown interest in the Hudson Highlands before. On October 6, 1777, the British had landed here and attacked Forts Clinton and Montgomery, seven miles to . . . — — Map (db m186793) HM
In the 19th century, improved navigational aids were required, as the number of commercial vessels increased. In 1825, the Erie Canal was opened, allowing ships to sail from the Great lakes to the Atlantic Ocean by way of the Hudson River, a tidal . . . — — Map (db m11693) HM
The Hudson River has always been a major avenue of New York State’s economy. During the 19th century, many industries, large and small, sprang up along its shores. To the south of Stony Point, beds of rich clay near Haverstraw Bay were utilized to . . . — — Map (db m11695) HM
Near this location passed the north column of 300 American Light Infantry, commanded by Colonel Richard Butler of Pennsylvania. On the rocky height in front of you was the Flagstaff Battery, which mounted a 12-pounder cannon. This weapon, like many . . . — — Map (db m11660) HM
In the early 20th century, a number of stone structures were constructed here by the American Scenic and Historic Preservation Society. After the State purchased the site in 1897, the administration was turned over to the Society and the site . . . — — Map (db m11663) HM
On the rise in front of you was located fleche #3, where the British had placed a brass 12-pounder cannon and two 5 and ½-inch mortars, called Royals, to defend the right flank of the outer abatis. In addition, two Grenadier companies of the 71st . . . — — Map (db m11681) HM
Below you, between Stony Point and Verplanck’s Point on the opposite shore, the Hudson River narrows to a width of three-quarters of a mile. All travelers, Continental Army troops, supplies, communications, both military and civil, passing between . . . — — Map (db m166069) HM
This tablet is to commemorate the heroic capture of the fortress of Stony Point by troops of the Light Infantry under the command of Maj. Gen. “Mad” Anthony Wayne the night of July 15-16, 1779 Erected by the Jewish War Veterans of . . . — — Map (db m11617) HM
British War Veterans of America, Inc. New York Branch of the British Legion erected this plaque to perpetuate the memories of men of the 17th British Regiment of Foot who died near this spot defending the Stony Point fortification against General . . . — — Map (db m11621) HM
Stony Point Battlefield has been designated a Registered National Historic Landmark Under the provisions of the Historic Sites Act of August 21, 1935 this site possesses exceptional value in commemorating and illustrating the history of the . . . — — Map (db m11619) HM
Left Tablet:
Stony Point A British Outpost commanding the King’s Ferry Assaulted and taken July 15-16, 1779 by the Corps of light infantry commanded by Anthony Wayne Renamed Fort Wayne Acquired by the State of New York 1897 The American Scenic . . . — — Map (db m8257) HM
