Landing at Kip's Bay

On September 15, 1776, British forces landed on Manhattan at Kip's Bay supported by a thunderous naval bombardment. The defending American militia fled at the first British shot, streaming in panic. Washington rode toward the guns and found his men in complete rout. He attempted to stop them personally, riding among the fleeing soldiers and striking at them with his riding crop in fury. His efforts failed entirely and he was in danger of capture himself when aides led his horse away.

The British landing cut off several thousand Americans still in lower Manhattan. Most escaped northward, but valuable supplies, cannon, and equipment were abandoned. The British occupied New York City that afternoon and held it for the remainder of the war. Washington regrouped his forces at Harlem Heights, where the following day American troops won a minor tactical engagement that partially restored confidence.

The loss of New York and its harbor was a major strategic setback that the British exploited throughout the conflict. The city served as the primary British base of operations in North America for the next seven years, providing an excellent harbor, abundant Loyalist support, and a central position from which British forces could threaten both New England and the southern colonies.