Harlem Heights

Fort Tryon Ridge

Landmark · Fort Tryon Park, New York, NY 10040

The northern end of Washington's Harlem Heights defensive line, encompassing the high ground above the Harlem River that the army occupied during the fall 1776 campaign. The ridge offered commanding views of the surrounding terrain and represented the northernmost extent of the perimeter Washington held before retreating to White Plains.

Fort Washington Site

Landmark · Bennett Park, 183rd Street and Fort Washington Avenue, New York, NY 10033

The site of Fort Washington on the northern tip of Manhattan, which Washington chose to hold after withdrawing the main army to White Plains. Its capture by the British on November 16, 1776, resulting in nearly 3,000 American prisoners, was the worst single defeat of the entire war — a direct consequence of the decision to maintain a garrison south of the main army's line of retreat.

Harlem Heights Battle Terrain (Columbia University)

Landmark · Columbia University, 116th Street and Broadway, New York, NY 10027

The Columbia University campus occupies ground near the center of the Harlem Heights battle area. The Buckewheat Field where American forces pushed British light infantry back stood roughly in the area now covered by university buildings and Morningside Heights. Historical panels around the campus note the Revolutionary War significance of the terrain.

Harlem Heights Battlefield Site

Battlefield · Near Riverside Drive and 120th Street, New York, NY 10027

The general area of the September 16, 1776 engagement, spanning the rocky, wooded terrain between present-day 120th and 135th Streets near the Hudson River. The battle unfolded across a series of ridges and hollows that no longer exist in recognizable form beneath Columbia University and Riverside Drive, but historical markers indicate the principal action areas.

Thomas Knowlton Memorial Marker

Monument · Riverside Drive at 122nd Street, New York, NY 10027

A historical marker commemorating Lieutenant Colonel Thomas Knowlton, who was killed leading the flanking movement at Harlem Heights on September 16, 1776. Knowlton organized the Continental Army's first formal intelligence unit, Knowlton's Rangers, and his death at Harlem Heights was one of the most significant losses the army suffered in the New York campaign.