Exploring the Battle of Brooklyn Sites from NYC's Highest Subway Platform

On August 27, 1776, the Battle of Brooklyn — also called the Battle of Long Island — was the first engagement of the American Revolution after independence was declared. From Denyse Point under the Verrazano-Narrows Bridge to Brooklyn Ferry at the foot of Fulton Street, the battle raged across much of the area occupied by present day Brooklyn. What moments during this weeklong conflict helped General Washington and the rest of the Colonial Army miraculous escape from Brooklyn Ferry to Manhattan in the dead of night into a foggy morning? It's time to uncover one of the most pivotal moments in American history from a vantage point with spectacular views of Brooklyn and New York Harbor.

Join New York Adventure Club as we explore the sights and stories of the Battle of Brooklyn from the vantage point of the highest subway station in New York, with a focus on the vital part played by the geography of Brooklyn in the conflict.

Led by licensed New York City Tour Guide Ann McDermott, this unique experience of the first and most consequential battle of the American Revolution will include:

• A near 360 degree view of Brooklyn and the surrounding area from the elevated Smith 9th Street Subway station on the F & G trains — the tallest subway platform in New York City and one of the most elevated transit stations in the world
• A survey of the broad battlefield, with discussions about the strategic sites and commanders from both sides who won, lost, or were captured
• A look at important sites related to the Battle of Brooklyn, including Greenwood Cemetery, where the first skirmish of the battle took place in a watermelon patch; Battle Hill, the highest point in Brooklyn and the site of the bloodiest part of the conflict; and Battle Pass in Prospect Park, where the Americans led by General John Sullivan were surrounded by English and Hessian troops and ultimately forced to surrender
• The importance of Fort Defiance in Red Hook — where American artillery bombarded the British navy, forcing them to lose their strategic advantage — along with a mysterious unmarked burial ground in the neighborhood, unknown to the general public, where American and British soldiers lie side by side

After surveying the battle from the highest possible point, we'll walk up 9th Street to the sites where the heroic Marylander 400 are thought to be buried, the troops who literally saved American democracy. We’ll then end at the Old Stone House where they fought bravely against Cornwallis and Howe's onslaught.

See you there!

*Since the majority of the tour will take place from the platform of the Smith 9 Street Station, a MetroCard swipe or credit card / OMNY card tap will be needed to enter the subway system. However, if arriving by train, do not exit the station — the tour guide will meet you behind the turnstiles a couple minutes after the tour officially begins.

**Please bring a water bottle and comfortable pair of shoes as we’ll be on our feet for the duration of the experience

***This tour concludes at the Old Stone House in Washington Park on 4th Avenue between 3rd and 4th Streets

About Ann

Ann McDermott, a native Brooklynite, was born up the block from where the tour ends and spent her early years playing on this battlefield. She knows the neighborhood and area extremely well and will tell you how to visit each site seen from afar on the tour, if you wish to go there.

Testimonials

"Ann was very knowledgeable and open to questions and chatting. And a fun way to think about this important battle right in my own backyard." -Cynthia

"Very interesting." -Shalom

Disclaimer

Event takes place rain or shine.

By attending a New York Adventure Club experience, you accept our terms of service.

Categories: In-Person, Neighborhood Tours

Host or Publisher New York Adventure Club