On the night of July 15-16, 1779, a strategic peninsula on the western shore of the Hudson River was engulfed with musket fire, plunging bayonets, and confusion. This midnight assault, which was carried out by Continental troops under command of Brigadier General “Mad” Anthony Wayne, is known as the Battle of Stony Point. Violent hand-to-hand combat ensued for nearly an hour and ultimately, the brave and resilient patriot troops carried the day. Today, the battle is remembered and preserved as the Stony Point Battlefield State Historic Site.
History
After France recognized the United States and officially entered the war in early 1778, the British Army in North America recognized the need to concentrate its forces. Accordingly, the British Army abandoned Philadelphia, fought a desperate clash known as the Battle of Monmouth Courthouse, and concentrated their strength in New York City. During the winter of 1778-1779, the Continental Army wintered at Middlebrook, New Jersey, while the British Army shifted its focus to the southern colonies. A large population of loyalists in the south seemingly promised British victory; however, British General Henry Clinton also hoped to draw Washington’s Army out into the open for a final crushing blow.
In May 1779, General Clinton led thousands of troops (accounts differ between 6,000-8,000) approximately 40 miles up the Hudson River to capture the crucial river crossing known as King’s Ferry. The small contingent of American troops that were stationed at Stony Point and the opposite Verplanck’s Point (both meant to defend King’s Ferry) were chased off and the British forces easily captured the crossing. Shortly thereafter, General Clinton realized Washington would not attack and he returned to New York with most of his troops, leaving behind at Stony Point approximately 700 men of the 17th Regiment of Foot, the 71st Regiment, and a detachment from the Loyal American Regiment.
The British outpost at Stony Point became an alluring target to General Washington and the Continental Army, which was quartered in nearby New Windsor, New York. Washington reconnoitered the enemy fortifications at Stony Point and possibly received intelligence from locals about the British strength, positions, and other crucial details. Ultimately, Washington determined to attack Stony Point and selected Brigadier General “Mad” Anthony Wayne to lead the operation.
A Corps of Light Infantry, comprised of approximately 1,350 hand-picked men, was created to carry out the assault and placed under commander of General Wayne. The plan was to attack Stony Point at midnight, relying on darkness and surprise to take the garrison. On the morning of July 15, 1779, the Corps of Light Infantry mustered and began a determined march towards positions outside of Stony Point. A cloudy night and high winds helped the American force, because it disguised their movements and forced British warships to leave Haverstraw Bay and move downriver.
The assault was carried out in a three-pronged attack: one column attacked from the north side of the peninsula, a second diversionary column attacked the British fortifications on the neck of the peninsula, and the main assault was carried out by a column that attacked across the swampy morass to the south in an attempt to flank the British positions. Interestingly, the attack from the south required the American troops to wade through the shallow coastal waters of Haverstraw Bay in order to pass around the outward abatis, followed by a steep uphill climb through brush and rocks.
In order to maintain secrecy and avoid giving away their approach, the American flanking columns attacked with unloaded muskets and used only bayonets, knives, and swords (this was reminiscent of the British attack on General Wayne’s forces during the nighttime Battle of Paoli/Paoli Massacre on September 21, 1777). Almost simultaneously, the north and south columns encountered British sentries, which was followed by the center column’s diversionary attack against the British at the neck (these Americans had loaded muskets).
After American troops passed over and through abatis and other obstacles, thanks to the men of the “forlorn hope” who used axes to hack an opening, they charged up the steep and rocky hillside. In response, the first line of British defenses fired into the darkness at the mass of men that quickly came upon them. British Lieutenant William Horndon later reported: “by the light occasioned by the flash of the gun I could perceive a body of them [the American Light Infantry] coming through the water upon our left. I attempted to bring the gun to bear upon them, but could not effect it, the embrasure being too confined.” In fact, the British artillery played no role in the battle, due to the nature of the assault, the quick actions of the American Light Infantry, and because many of the British artillery pieces were heavy ship guns.
Amidst the fury, General Wayne’s head was grazed by a British musket ball and he fell to the ground wounded. Wayne allegedly cried out: “march on, boys. Carry me into the fort! For should the wound be mortal, I will die at the head of the column.”
During the opening moments of the assault, British Lieutenant Colonel Henry Johnson believed that the American thrust across the neck was the main attack and accordingly, committed a majority of his troops to defend the neck. He soon learned that two other substantial American attacks were being made on his flanks; however, it was too late. American troops poured into the British upper earthworks (the main British defensive position), which was unfinished and open on the eastern side facing the river. Shortly thereafter, the British surrendered.
After the smoke settled and blood began to dry, 15 Americans and 20 British soldiers were dead (this included British Captain Francis Tew of the 17th Regiment). The remainder of the British garrison surrendered, except for two British officers: Lieutenant John Roberts (Royal Artillery) and Captain Lawrence Robert Campbell (71st Highland Regiment) both escaped to British ships in the Hudson River. Following the battle, General Washington ordered the peninsula abandoned, because it could not be effectively defended against British warships in the Hudson River. Accordingly, General Wayne and his troops removed captured British supplies (which included 15 artillery pieces), destroyed the fort, and removed the British prisoners. British forces would eventually return to Stony Point and rebuild fortifications.
The site of the Stony Point Battle was purchased and eventually preserved as a historic site in the 1890s. By 1902, it opened to visitors as the Stony Point State Park. In 1936, a museum was built on the site and in 1961, the battlefield was declared a National Historic Landmark.
Interesting Facts
- The Battle of Stony Point was known for fierce hand-to-hand fighting, which made it one of the most brutal fights of the war
- Approximately 1 hour before the battle, General Wayne wrote to a letter to a friend, in which he stated that he would be eating breakfast “either within the enemies’ lines in triumph, or in another world”
- The first of the American force to enter the British upper earthworks was French Lieutenant Colonel Francois de Fleury, a French engineer and soldier who fought with the Continental Army
- The British garrison at Stony Point had lightballs (flames) and a signal rocket on hand, which was to be used to call for reinforcements from Verplanck’s Point opposite the Hudson River; however, they were never used amidst the violent assault and confusion
Our Visit & Recommendations
Stony Point Battlefield State Historic Site (44 Battlefield Road, Stony Point, New York) is an easily accessible historic site that offers an in-depth view on a very crucial battle of the American Revolutionary War. There is plenty of free parking on site, bathrooms, and an outstanding museum. Of note, dogs are not allowed within the park, so be sure to leave your furry friends at home. The entrance to the park is marked by a stout stone archway, which was erected in 1908. In fact, in order to get to the parking lot, you have to drive under this archway and across a narrow wooden bridge; however, do so with caution, since it is a one-way!
Although it is tempting to set off on the trails to see the battlefield, I recommend beginning your experience at the museum, which will provide a good level of knowledge about the battle. Once you are ready, there is a paved walkway throughout the park (designed to be walked counter-clockwise), which can be used to see the entire battlefield and important sites. There are 17 total interpretive signs/stops (marked 1 through 17 on the map below), which provide additional information about the battle, the Stony Point peninsula, and the region. Before setting off, I recommend taking a picture of this map (located on every interpretive sign) to use as a guide.
It was a balmy late winter day when we visited, which made for a pleasant stroll about the park. The various interpretive signs really help you understand the details of the battle and disposition of troops- I highly recommend taking the time to read them. As you walk the trail, be sure to take in the amazing views of Haverstraw Bay and the Hudson River. Additionally, take a look at the steep rocky terrain of the peninsula, which was traversed by the American Light Infantry on the night of July 15-16, 1779.
On your walk, you will see some of the British upper earthworks, which remain to this day. It is easy to see how the rocky terrain could both benefit and cause issues in building fortifications- not to mention the near impossibility to hauling artillery to the crest of Stony Point.
As you near the end of the peninsula, you will notice a quaint white stone lighthouse. This lighthouse was built by the United States Lighthouse Service in 1826 to warn mariners of the rocky shore of the peninsula and safely guide ships up and down the Hudson River. This became particularly necessary in the late 1820s, because the Eerie Canal (built in 1825) enabled ships to travel from the Great Lakes to the Atlantic Ocean, via the Hudson River. It was first lit by eight oil lamps, which shined light on multiple metal reflectors.
The Stony Point Lighthouse was decommissioned in 1926, after an updated navigational aid was placed closer to the point of the peninsula; however, it remains the oldest lighthouse on the Hudson River.
As you near the end of the paved trail, you will arrive back at the museum. Stops 16 and 17 can be accessed by taking the walking trail behind the museum building (you will notice a red sign that reads “King’s Ferry Overlook”). The last stop provides an outstanding view of the Hudson River, where the crucial King’s Ferry once passed. Three interpretive signs provide detailed information about the King’s Ferry and some fascinating bits of history associated with it- particularly in regards to the treasonous Benedict Arnold and British Major John André.
Stony Point Battlefield State Historic Site provides visitors the opportunity to experience one of the American Revolution’s most fascinating battles. Because the rocky terrain remains largely unchanged since 1779, you can see, understand, and imagine how the battle may have played out on that dark July night.