Early Modern
Battle of Long Island
First major battle of the American Revolution
August 27-29, 1776 Brooklyn, Long Island, New York United Colonies (Continental Army) vs British Empire (with Hessian auxiliaries)Outcome: Decisive British victory, but American army escaped to fight another day
The Battle of Long Island (August 27, 1776) was the first major engagement after American independence and a decisive British victory. General Howe outflanked Washington's positions via the unguarded Jamaica Pass, routing American forces on Brooklyn Heights. However, Washington's audacious nighttime retreat across the East River on August 29 saved the Continental Army from destruction.
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