Battle Week at Federal Hall National Memorial

The Battle of Brooklyn, sometimes known as the Battle of Long Island, was the first Revolutionary War battle to be fought after the signing of the Declaration of Independence, and one of the biggest battles of the American Revolution. Every year, the battle is commemorated at Federal Hall National Memorial and other New York City sites during Battle Week in late August. Though the battle was considered to be a British victory, the colonial soldiers performed an impressive divert-and-escape attack that preserved most of their troops and kept the war going for years afterwards.

Events during Battle Week include a reading of the Declaration of Independence, a tribute to the Irish generals of the battle, reenactments of the battle in Greenwood Meadow, a parade that starts at the main gate of Greenwood Cemetery, and a remembrance ceremony for the Maryland 400, a group of 400 men who sacrificed their lives when they stayed behind to distract and attack the British so that the other colonial troops could escape. Federal Hall National Memorial in downtown Manhattan is the location where George Washington took his inaugural oath and where the first Congress and Supreme Court were located, making it the perfect home for these events to take place. Battle Week events always take place in late August every year, but dates, times and locations vary, so please check beforehand.

Points of Interest

Federal Hall National Memorial in New York City, NY

Not to be confused with the original Federal Hall, the Federal Hall National Memorial is a museum dedicated to remembering the original Federal Hall.