236th Anniversary of the Battle of White Plains
October 28th marked the 236th anniversary of the Battle of White Plains, fought in the environs of the Battle Hill neighborhood of White Plains in 1776. On this Veteran’s Day, November 11, in White Plains those soldiers who fought during the American Revolution were remembered for their valiant efforts.
The Battle of White Plains commenced after Continental Army General George Washington retreated from New York City after the revolutionary army had lost ground to the British on Long Island.
British General William Howe had landed troops in New Rochelle and was making his way across Westchester County to cut off Washington’s escape route. Alerted by a reconnaissance mission, Washington moved his troops and established his headquarters at the Elijah Miller house in NorthWhite Plains. Howe, however, was able to keep the Continental Army from securing their position with a battle along the banks of the Bronx River near Chatterton Hill.
After several days of battle, Washington, unable to effectively keep the position, retreated farther north and established a camp near North Castle. General Howe did not follow. This allowed Washington and his troops to travel into New Jersey and later win the Battle of Trenton, which played a major role in the final outcome of the American Revolution.
The Battle of White Plains is considered to be the four and final battle for New York in the American Revolution.
The commemorative stamp shown above was issued in October of 1926 to support the 150th anniversary of the Battle of White Plains. The image on the stamp was taken from a painting by E.L. Ward titled Alexander Hamilton’s Battery. It depicts a four-man Continental gun crew with cannon and ammunition. Illustration and history courtesy of Anthony Pilla.
