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The British captured and
fortified the point in 1779 by erecting an earthen
fort and two barriers called abatis, (the abatis
visible in the lower section of the image at right
by dragging your mouse down in the image). Sir
Henry Clinton garrisoned Stony Point and Verplanck's
Point with about 1,000 men to protect the King's Ferry,
which crossed the Hudson River between the two posts.
Clinton then launched raids against Connecticut coastal
towns, in a continuing attempt to lure Washington
into battle.
General Washington devised
a plan for Brigadier General Anthony Wayne and his
Corps of Light Infantry to lead a surprise midnight
assault against Stony Point. The heaviest fighting
lasted half an hour, and by 1 a.m. the British garrison
had surrendered. Three days later, Washington abandoned
Stony Point because he knew it could not be defended
against the combined might of the British army and
navy.
The victory at Stony Point
was the last major battle in the north. Of the 11
decorations for bravery awarded by Congress during
the Revolutionary War, three American officers were
presented with medals for their bravery in this battle.
Clinton's plan to defeat the Continentals and end
the war had failed.
Stony Point Battlefield
is very accessible, and completely handicapped accessible,
to the public with well marked roads and numerous
informative signs showing descriptions of the battle
and fortifications. This self guided tour, coupled
with the excellent museum, really gives visitors a
feeling for the events that took place on Stony Point.
Stony Point Battlefield Historic Site and the Stony
Point Lighthouse, located on the grounds and the oldest
lighthouse on the Hudson River, are open for visitation
Mid-April to October 31, Wed.-Sat. 10 a.m.-5 p.m.,
Sun. 1-5 p.m. Also open Memorial Day, Independence
Day, and Labor Day. The Battlefield is open the rest
of the year at reduced hours. |
