Brooklyn Celebrates 249 Years Since the Battle of Brooklyn

Brooklyn commemorated the 249th anniversary of the Battle of Brooklyn at Green-Wood Cemetery, marking the first major military engagement in the American Revolutionary War after the signing of the Declaration of Independence. The event brought together local residents, history enthusiasts, and Revolutionary War reenactors to honor this significant moment in American history.

Green-Wood Cemetery, one of several historic sites where the Continental Army, led by General George Washington, confronted British forces in August 1776, served as the backdrop for a day filled with engaging presentations, lectures, and hands-on activities. Attendees of all ages had the opportunity to explore aspects of Revolutionary history, including writing secret messages in invisible ink and learning about the role of “camp followers”—women who provided essential support to the troops.

One striking historical fact revealed during the event was that camp followers often used aged human urine, referred to as “chamber lye,” to wash soldiers’ uniforms due to its ammonia content, which effectively broke down grease and dirt.

Honoring Black and Indigenous Contributions

Reenactors from the 1st Rhode Island Regiment of Foot played a pivotal role in highlighting the contributions of Black and Indigenous soldiers during the Revolutionary War. This regiment was formed in 1778 after the Rhode Island Assembly authorized the enlistment of enslaved Black and Indigenous men in response to troop shortages faced by Washington. In exchange for their service, these men were promised their freedom.

Antoine Watts, president of the 1st Rhode Island Regiment/6th United States Colored Troops, emphasized the importance of these reenactments in educating the public about the sacrifices made by soldiers of color throughout American history. “There was always that fear that history would be taught that we did nothing, but that’s not true. In every conflict that this country had, even before it was a country, there were people of color fighting alongside European Americans,” Watts noted.

Steve Thomas, founder and president of Living History Co., shared his journey into reenactments, which began when he was just ten years old. His experiences in reenacting led him to a scholarship at Valley Forge Military Academy and College for field music. “I did [reenactment] as a hobby for a bit, and then I ended up owning a company,” Thomas explained.

Engaging the Community

The event drew interest from local residents like Naomi Rubin and Jonah Neustadt, who learned about the Battle of Brooklyn through Green-Wood Cemetery’s email list. “I didn’t know about the Battle of Brooklyn, and I was intrigued to know about the battle that happened in this area that’s now completely developed,” Rubin remarked. Neustadt added, “It’s such a great way to learn by being immersed in it.”

Participants discovered that until 2020, Rhode Island’s official name included “Providence Plantations.” Rubin expressed her appreciation for learning about the historical context of plantations in Rhode Island, which facilitated the enlistment of soldiers in exchange for their freedom.

The day’s activities culminated in a parade to Battle Hill, the highest natural point in Brooklyn, where attendees honored the lives lost during the battle with a solemn ceremony. Rachel Walman, director of Education at Green-Wood Cemetery, highlighted the battle’s significance, stating, “Fighting this one battle here in Brooklyn, even though it was a loss for the Continental Army, was an important part of the war.”

Walman emphasized that the efforts of various individuals during this battle were crucial in maintaining morale and confidence within the Continental Army. “What I hope people take away is that this was a tipping point,” she said, underscoring the collective contributions that shaped American history.

The commemoration at Green-Wood Cemetery served not only to honor those who fought but also to educate and inspire a new generation about the complexities and legacies of the Revolutionary War.