New York has witnessed many exciting and memorable moments in United States history. During the American Revolution in particular, New York and the Hudson River (known then as the “North River”), greatly influenced the strategy of both the American and British leadership and the outcome of the war (in fact, General Washington believed the key to victory was to control the Hudson River and to expel the British from York City).
Today, New York City and the surrounding area (including much of the Hudson River Valley) are vastly different from what they were like in colonial times. But despite the transformation into modernity, some interesting historic sites remain, tucked between high rises and down the street from Dunkin Donuts. During this trip, we explored the city of White Plains in historic Westchester County, nestled along the eastern side of the Hudson River just north of Manhattan. Where there are now neighborhoods and city streets, a major battle once raged in the autumn of 1776.
History
After occupying Manhattan and Long Island in the summer of 1776, Washington and his army hoped to fend off any attempts by the British to attack or infiltrate New York. But by autumn, the Continental Army was in full retreat after a series of terrible defeats, including the Battle of Long Island/Brooklyn Heights (August 27), the subsequent loss of New York City, and the Battle of Harlem Heights (September 16). As his army retreated northward to avoid being entrapped, Washington established a 3 mile line with earthworks (made primarily of corn stalks) and was determined to make a defensive stand at White Plains.
As the British Army pursued, American skirmishers attempted to slow their advance, which quickly erupted into a full-scale engagement. The Battle of White Plains was fought between the British Army under General William Howe (~7,500 troops engaged) and the Continental Army under General George Washington (~3,100 troops engaged) on October 28, 1776.
On the morning of October 28, British and Hessian (German mercenary troops primarily from Hesse-Cassel hired by King George III) charged the American skirmishers, who retreated to Chatterton Hill.
The main part of the battle occurred on and around Chatterton Hill, as American Continentals and militia made a determined stand; however, the British and Hessian troops and calvary eventually flanked and overran the American positions and Washington ordered a retreat (Providence seemed to intervene, as foul weather masked the American retreat and dissuaded General Howe from a pursuit). The result of the battle was considered a British victory with 217 American casualties (50 killed) and 233 British casualties (47 killed).
3 Historic Sites – The Battle of White Plains
1 – Jacob Purdy House
The Jacob Purdy House was built around 1720 by a man named Samuel Horton and was purchased by Samuel Purdy sometime in the 1730s. General George Washington likely used the Purdy House as his headquarters from October 22 to 28, 1776 prior to the Battle of White Plains. Documentation states that the house also served as Washington’s headquarters from July 27 to September 16, 1778.
Interestingly, two of Samuel’s five sons remained loyal to Great Britain and were staunch Loyalists throughout the war. Following the American victory, they fled to Canada, which left ownership of the house to Jacob Purdy in 1785. It is odd to think that George Washington used a (semi) loyalist household as his headquarters.
The Purdy House was moved from its original location on Spring Street in 1977 and now sits at 60 Park Avenue, overlooking downtown White Plains. Although it is not generally open for tours, one can be made by appointment with the White Plains Historical Society (we did not have time to coordinate/tour the house). In front of the house is a small park with benches that offer a place to reflect, read, and enjoy a coffee.
2 – Elijah Miller House
The Elijah Miller House was likely built by John Miller in 1738. By the time of revolution, it was occupied by his son Elijah and family. Elijah served in the Westchester County militia, but unfortunately died in camp in August 1776 (a likely end for many soldiers at that time). Sadly, two of Elijah’s sons (Elijah Jr. and John) who also served in the Westchester County Militia, died of fever in December 1776.
It was at the Miller House that George Washington made his headquarters during the Battle of White Plains on October 28, 1776 (he remained there until November 10, 1776). Washington would occupy the Miller House on two other occasions during the war, including the summer of 1778 and from July 5 – 7, 1781. Anne Miller (Elijah’s poor widow) always served as Washington’s hostess and lived to the remarkable age of 96!
Of note, the Elijah Miller House just reopened for tours on October 28, 2019 (the 243rd anniversary of the Battle of White Plains) after decades of neglect.
3 – Battle of White Plains Park
Unlike some larger and better-preserved Revolutionary battlefields (such as Saratoga National Historical Park), the White Plains battlefield has mostly been supplanted by the city of White Plains and surrounding neighborhoods. If you are expecting a well-preserved battlefield, you will be disappointed; however, what remains are a few historic sites commemorating the hard fought engagement.
The Battle of White Plains Park, located on a portion of the famous Chatterton Hill, offers a sliver of the original battlefield and some historical interpretive boards (some good information is provided). There is also a playground, benches, and picnic area (there are no restrooms or a parking lot).
As our cities and societies grow and the memories of the Revolutionary War fade further into the past, we could lose many important historic sites (the White Plains battlefield is an unfortunate example of this). Now, more than ever, it is important that we embrace our history and past, while preserving all that we can for future generations.