07/03/2026
July 3, 1776 — With Independence Decided, The War to Secure it Continues in New York
Two hundred and fifty years ago today, on July 3, 1776, just one day after the Continental Congress voted for independence, British General William Howe landed thousands of troops on Staten Island, launching what would become the largest military campaign of the Revolutionary War.
The choice of New York was no accident. With its deep harbor and control of the Hudson River, the city was seen by both sides as the strategic key to the continent. Howe arrived with a massive invasion force—more than 50 ships and 10,000 British regulars, with more on the way.
Across the harbor, General George Washington was already preparing. He had anticipated a British move on New York and spent the previous weeks fortifying Manhattan and Brooklyn Heights. He ordered the construction of Fort Washington on northern Manhattan and Fort Lee across the river in New Jersey. He called in militia from neighboring colonies and positioned his outnumbered force—roughly 19,000 men—to defend against what was coming.
Though Howe came ashore on July 3 without firing a shot, both generals knew that battle was imminent. The vote for independence was behind them. Now, the fight to secure it was about to begin.
And that’s the way it was, July 3, 1776.
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