August 27

Battle of Long Island — Washington's Army Nearly Destroyed

British General Howe outflanked the Continental Army at Brooklyn in the largest battle of the Revolutionary War, killing or capturing over 1,400 Americans. Washington skillfully evacuated his surviving army across the East River to Manhattan under cover of fog.

The Battle of Long Island nearly ended the Revolution in its first year; only Washington's brilliant nighttime evacuation saved the Continental Army to fight another day.