Long Island: June-August 1776

After the commander-in-chief of the Continental Army, General George Washington, forced the British to evacuate Boston in March 1776 by emplacing cannon on heights overlooking the town, he moved the main part of his army south to protect New York City. Next to Boston, New York City was the most important port in the American colonies and would serve as a vital logistical hub to whichever side controlled it. The senior British commander in America, General William Howe, had every intention of using the city as his main base of operations for what he hoped would be a swift campaign to snuff out the colonial rebellion. By the start of July 1776, both sides had committed the main part of their armies to a showdown in New York. Trail author: Mr. Justin Batt