09/01/2026
View from the Hill...
The Battle for Long Island
Independence from Great Britain was anything but a sure deal after the Declaration of Independence was proclaimed on July 4, 1776. The words that have been etched in the minds of American youth for decades were barely noticed 250 years ago. They had no meaning unless the war was won by the Patriots. Lexington and Concord served notice to the mother country that the colonists could organize and fight, but the greatest army the world had ever seen was not going to turn and run very far. Two major developments in the war for Independence happened the year before the Declaration was signed. The first was the Battle of Bunker Hill where the British were able to claim the high ground overlooking Boston. While the British won, they lost significant numbers of troops, and it became apparent that the war would be costly.
The second major development was the colonist’s victory at Fort Ticonderoga. The lightly defended Fort in New York state had artillery pieces that would eventually be used to expel the British from Boston. General George Washington had been the commanding officer of the colonist army for nearly a year in 1776. When the cannons from Fort Ticonderoga finally traveled the 300 miles to Boston Washington devised a plan to surprise the British. Under the cover of darkness and careful planning the artillery pieces were placed on Dorchester Heights. Nearly 2000 troops participated in this covert operation that along with an accompanying diversion caught the King’s army totally by surprise. General Howe attempted an attack however a timely storm prevented Howe from succeeding and on March 17, 1776, the British sailed out of Boston harbor.
When Washington watched them leave Boston, he knew that the British army was merely regrouping and would attack again, probably in New York. The colonial army was moved to New York City area and waited for the Redcoats to make the next move. On August 27, 250 years ago this week the long-anticipated attack occurred. Officially called “the Battle of Long Island,” over 40,000 troops engaged in a three-day battle. This was the single largest battle in the revolutionary war. It was also the first major conflict between the British and the colonists since the signing of the Declaration. Washington was outgunned, outmanned, outmaneuvered, and was soundly defeated. Howe and the Redcoats had the opportunity to annihilate the patriot army; however, they hesitated, fearing heavy casualties. Washington seized the opportunity and evacuated under the cover of darkness and a providential heavy fog. Without loss of life over 9,000 troops left New York, and the British held it until the end of the war.
We know how the war ended, however the prognosis looked bleak this week 250 years ago. It is important to remember that if you believe in a cause strong enough you will persevere even when there appears to be no hope. History is often kind to those that choose honorable goals rather than short term gain. The sacrifice made by the founders of our country in pursuit of a righteous goal has paid dividends to many generations including our own. Finally, we need to recognize that many times in the course of the establishment of our country the recorders credited “Providence,” which was their word for divine intervention. The resultant good that this nation has done for both its own people and the entire world is unprecedented in the course of human history. God has blessed America.
