Lower Manhattan During the Revolutionary War

Here is a map of major forts and artillery batteries in Lower Manhattan during the Revolutionary War.

In the Summer of 1776, George Washington’s 10,000-strong Continental Army fortified Manhattan Island, concentrating five Brigades below Houston Street.

The only major road into the city at the time, the Bowery, was heavily barricaded and used to maneuver thousands and thousands of troops and supplies in and out of the largest Army encampment on Manhattan Island.

“Bunker Hill” was a heptagonal fort built atop a 100-foot elevation on the Bayard estate — today the heart of Chinatown. This fort was fitted with six mortars and twelve cannons and provided a 360-degree view of Lower Manhattan.

Iconic martyr Captain Nathan Hale was stationed at Bunker Hill, before being captured by the British and hanged.

Learn more about the Lower East Side during the Revolution: “The Bowery: A History of Grit, Graft and Grandeur” http://www.amazon.com/Bowery-History-Grit-Graft-Grandeur/dp/1609491785/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1314821141&sr=1-1

Eric Ferrara

Eric is a 4th generation Lower East Sider, professional NYC history author, movie & TV consultant, and founder of Lower East Side History Project.