Battle of Brooklyn Chapter Sons of the American Revolution
Our Chapter Namesake
The Battle for Long Island (Brooklyn)
The Battle of Long Island, also known as the Battle of Brooklyn, was fought on August 27, 1776, and was the first major engagement after the signing of the Declaration of Independence. British forces under General William Howe launched a massive assault on General George Washington’s Continental Army, aiming to capture New York City and crush the rebellion early.
Using a flanking maneuver through Jamaica Pass, the British overwhelmed American positions on the Heights of Guan. Despite fierce resistance—most notably by the Maryland 400—the Continental forces were pushed back to their defenses in Brooklyn Heights. Surrounded and facing certain defeat, Washington executed a daring nighttime evacuation across the East River to Manhattan, saving his army to fight another day.
Although a decisive British victory, the battle showcased American resilience and set the stage for a prolonged war for independence.
The Maryland 400
During the Battle of Brooklyn on August 27, 1776, a unit of approximately 400 soldiers from the Maryland Regiment, led by Colonel William Smallwood and Major Mordecai Gist, gained a reputation for their extraordinary bravery. Facing overwhelming British and Hessian forces, these men launched repeated counterattacks at the Old Stone House in modern-day Brooklyn to buy time for General George Washington’s army to retreat across the East River.
Their sacrifice—costing more than two-thirds of their number—helped prevent the destruction of the Continental Army. This courageous stand earned them the enduring name “The Maryland 400,” remembered as some of the earliest heroes of the Revolutionary War.
As the Continental Army fought the Battle of Long Island (August 27, 1776)—also known as the Battle of Brooklyn—General Washington witnessed firsthand a devastating scene. He saw the Maryland troops, acting as a rearguard, repeatedly charge the British near Cortelyou—or Old Stone—House to hold up the enemy and enable the main American force to retreat toward Brooklyn Heights. From his vantage point on Cobble Hill, Washington turned to General Israel Putnam and said,
"Good God! What brave fellows I must this day lose."
"Good God! What brave fellows I must this day lose!"
- George Washington
The Battle of Brooklyn - August 27, 1776
Our Chapter's Beginning
Founded on November 19, 2011, the Battle of Brooklyn Chapter is part of the Empire State Society, Sons of the American Revolution. Named for the pivotal battle fought on August 27, 1776, our chapter honors the patriots who took part in America’s first major conflict after the Declaration of Independence. We are dedicated to preserving Revolutionary War history, promoting patriotism, and recognizing the sacrifices that secured our nation’s liberty. The picture above shows our chapter's charter, which is displayed inside the Old Stone House in Park Slope, Brooklyn.