Map/Chart > New York, NJ, LI & Connecticut

A plan of Fort Montgomery & Fort Clinton

This plan of Forts Montgomery and Clinton tells the story of the battle for control of the Hudson River during the Revolutionary War in 1777.

Description

The Hudson River was the main arterial route for the transportation of supplies and troops throughout a large portion of the northeast, and provided a vital link to British interests in that region.  On May 25, 1775, the Continental Congress passed a resolution to construct fortifications amongst the highlands along the Hudson River in order to retain control of the river.  In this chart, published in 1779, we see an account of the battle for the Forts Montgomery and Clinton and the ultimate control of the River on the 6th October 1777.  Holland's survey includes such detail as the use by the Americans under Governor George Clinton of felled trees and open ground to inhibit easy approach to the Forts from the land.  It also marks the chain and boon the Americans stretched across the river to impede British naval advancement up the river, as well details of the engagement of British and American ships on that day.