Battle of Brooklyn Chapter Sons of the American Revolution
Old Stone House at Washington Park - Park Slope
About
The Old Stone House in Brooklyn is a reconstructed 1699 Dutch farmhouse, originally built by the Vechte family along the Gowanus Creek. It played a pivotal role in the Battle of Brooklyn on August 27, 1776, serving as a stronghold for American forces under General Stirling and the Maryland 400, who staged a valiant rearguard action against British troops. Though the original structure was demolished in the 1890s, it was rebuilt in the 1930s using stones from the site, and today stands as a museum and historic landmark preserving Brooklyn’s Revolutionary War heritage.
Our Collection
Our collection includes artifacts, documents, and photographs that highlight the people and events that have shaped our community. From Native American history to the present day, our exhibits offer a glimpse into the past.
Membership
As a member of Battle of Brooklyn Chapter | SAR, you will have access to exclusive events and discounts, as well as the satisfaction of knowing that you are supporting an important community organization. Join us in preserving our history for future generations.
The Green-Wood Cemetery - Greenwood Heights
About
Founded in 1838, Green-Wood Cemetery in Brooklyn is a 478-acre National Historic Landmark and one of America’s first rural cemeteries. Renowned for its rolling hills, ponds, and grand monuments, it quickly became a premier burial ground and a major 19th-century tourist attraction, second only to Niagara Falls. Its popularity helped inspire the creation of Central Park and Prospect Park.
Green-Wood is the resting place of over 580,000 individuals, including artists, inventors, Civil War generals, politicians, and cultural icons. It is also a Revolutionary War site, with part of the 1776 Battle of Long Island fought on its grounds. Today, Green-Wood remains a sanctuary of art, history, and nature, known for its statuary, historic mausoleums, and diverse birdlife, while ongoing preservation efforts safeguard its fragile beauty for future generations.
Battle Hill
Battle Hill, the highest natural point in Brooklyn at 220 feet above sea level, lies within today’s Green-Wood Cemetery. On August 27, 1776, it was the site of fierce fighting during the Battle of Long Island, the first major battle after the signing of the Declaration of Independence. American forces, though outnumbered, put up strong resistance against the British and Hessians. Today, Battle Hill is marked by monuments and a Liberty Tree honoring the patriots who fought there. Battle Hiill serves as a lasting reminder of New York City’s Revolutionary War heritage.
Patriots at Rest
Today, more than 65 Revolutionary War patriots are buried at Green-Wood Cemetery. Many are re-interments from other cemeteries, most notably in the 1860s when families chose Green-Wood as a more permanent and prestigious resting place. Together, their graves stand as enduring reminders of the men and women who sacrificed for America’s independence.
Prison Ship Martyrs Monument | Fort Greene Park
Origins
During the Revolutionary War, the British held thousands of captured soldiers and sailors aboard decrepit prison ships anchored in Wallabout Bay, near present-day Brooklyn Navy Yard. These prisoners included not only Americans, but also French and Spanish allies who fought alongside them for independence.
The conditions aboard the ships were horrific. Overcrowding, poor hygiene, starvation, and rampant disease led to unimaginable suffering. Most who entered never survived. With little regard for human dignity, the dead were simply tossed overboard into the waters of the bay.
Over the years, waves carried countless remains onto the Brooklyn shoreline. Local residents, deeply moved by the tragedy, began the solemn task of gathering the scattered bones. These remains were eventually interred together, creating a universal tomb for the martyrs of liberty.
The Prison Ship Martyrs’ Monument in Fort Greene Park now stands as a lasting tribute to their sacrifice and as a reminder of the true cost of freedom.
Early Stages
The Prison Ship Martyrs Monument, dedicated in 1908 in Fort Greene Park, was designed by architect Stanford White and topped with a bronze urn by sculptor Adolph Alexander Weinman. The monument was championed by the Prison Ship Martyrs Association, with vital support from the Fort Greene Chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution (DAR). Under Eliza M. Chandler White's leadership, the DAR campaigned in the late 19th century to raise awareness, secure funding, and build momentum for the memorial. It received funding through federal, state, city, and private contributions.
Monument Dedication
On November 14, 1908, the Prison Ship Martyrs Monument in Fort Greene Park, Brooklyn, was dedicated to honor the more than 11,500 American patriots who died aboard British prison ships during the Revolutionary War.
The ceremony, attended by President-elect William Howard Taft, drew 20,000–30,000 people despite heavy rain. A parade of 15,000 marchers and many distinguished guests underscored the monument’s national importance and its tribute to those who gave their lives for independence.