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British commander-in-chief who ordered the assault on Fort Washington and the subsequent move against Fort Lee. Howe's decision to pursue Washington across New Jersey rather than consolidating his gains reflected confidence that the rebellion was nearly over.

Prominent New Jersey Loyalist whose family estate was near the Fort Lee area. Kemble served as president of the New Jersey Council before the Revolution and represented the colonial establishment that the war displaced.

Rhode Island Quaker who commanded Fort Lee and recommended holding Fort Washington — a decision that contributed to the worst American defeat of 1776. Greene learned from the disaster and became one of the most effective generals of the war, later winning the Southern campaign.

Author of "Common Sense" who was present with the army during the retreat from Fort Lee. Paine began writing "The American Crisis" during the march across New Jersey, producing the famous opening line about times that try men's souls.

Commander of Fort Washington who surrendered the garrison of nearly 3,000 troops on November 16, 1776, after a massive British assault. The loss was the largest American surrender until the Civil War and directly precipitated the crisis at Fort Lee.

Led approximately 5,000 British troops up the Palisades on November 20, 1776, nearly capturing the Fort Lee garrison. Cornwallis's rapid advance forced Greene into a hasty evacuation that left behind critical supplies.

Philadelphia militia commander who observed the fall of Fort Lee and reported on the deteriorating military situation. Cadwalader later participated in the Trenton and Princeton campaigns that reversed the momentum lost in November.

One of the women who accompanied the army during the retreat from Fort Lee. Camp followers endured the same march as the soldiers, carrying children and possessions through the same freezing conditions while receiving none of the military support.