Crossing the Hudson
Introduction
Text-to-speech Audio
In 1781, General George Washington was presented with the unique opportunity to trap a British army near Yorktown, Virginia. However, he had to first secretly move his 2,500 troops and 5,000 French soldiers from New York and Rhode Island to Virginia. They began crossing the Hudson River here on 17 August 1781 while Washington left a screening force behind around New York City.
Images
Panoramic View of Verplanck's Point by Pierre Charles L'Enfant, September-October 1782
Washington at Verplanck's Point by John Trumbull, 1790
Map of the combined American-French Army camp at Philipsburg, New York, 6 July to 19 August, 1781
Backstory and Context
Text-to-speech Audio
Washington's plan was exceedingly audacious. He would march away from the main British force in New York City leaving only a token force to keep them occupied. "I have delayed having these preparations made until this moment because I wished to deceive the enemy with regard to our real object as long as possible,” wrote Washington to Col. Miles. “Our movements have been calculated for that purpose, and I am still anxious the deception should be kept up a few days longer, until our intentions are announced by the army's filing off towards the Delaware." It was a bold move; if British General Sir Henry Clinton realized what was happening, he could easily push his army north into New England or up the Hudson against West Point or Albany.
Sources
Philbrick, In the Hurricane's Eye, 160
Museum of the American Revolution, Gift of the Landenberger Family Foundation
Winterthur Museum
Library of Congress, Geography and Map Division