Fort Lee Historic Park
Information on this page current as of June 17, 2009
“The Latest Techniques of Cookery & Baking”
Sunday afternoonsPark grounds open 8 am to dusk, Visitor Center open Wednesday–Sunday, 10 am–5 pm.
201 461-1776
On a cliff-top bluff where the Continental Army placed its batteries over the Hudson, a quarter-mile east of the site of the earthworks of the historic Fort Lee, the 33-acre Historic Park blends scenic beauty and history.
Park Grounds
Visitor Center
Programs
“Fort Lee” (historical background)
Rules
StaffPark Grounds
At the north end of the Historic Park, two overlooks command spectacular views of the George Washington Bridge, the Hudson River, and the skyline of upper Manhattan. (Restrooms, picnic tables, and a drinking fountain are available in season.)
In the southern portion of the Historic Park, winding paths lead past a reconstructed blockhouse and to the historic section of the grounds, with reproduction gun batteries and firing steps. Opposite the barbette battery, authentically reconstructed eighteenth-century huts, with a well, woodshed, and baking oven, serve as the focal point for interpretive programs.
Park grounds are open 8 am to dusk. A parking fee is charged during special events such as “Retreat Weekend.”
Visitor Center
The Visitor Center is at the heart of the Historic Park, providing information on the role of Fort Lee in the American Revolution. Two floors of displays present the story of how General Washington was forced to evacuate the area in November 1776 and lead his famous “Retreat to Victory” across New Jersey at the end of 1776.
Construction of the eleven-thousand square-foot building began in 1974 and was completed for the American Bicentennial celebration in 1976. In addition to its historical features, the facility contains a 164-seat auditorium, a gift shop, restrooms, drinking fountain, public phone, and information desk. The main floor is barrier-free.
The Visitor Center is open Wednesday–Sunday, 10 am–5 pm.
School Year. From September through December and March through June, schoolchildren grades five and up who are studying the American Revolution can visit Fort Lee to experience life as recruits in an eighteenth-century army. This five-hour “living history” program combines discussion, demonstration, and participation to give students a complete lesson in Colonial life. A fee is charged and reservations are required; click here for more details, or stop by the information desk at the Visitor Center, or call 201 461-1776.
Weekends and Summers. Weather and staff time permitting, visitors may enhance their understanding of history at the southern end of the Historic Park, where staff and volunteers interpret eighteenth-century ways by performing a variety of activities.
Special Events. Throughout the year, the Historic Park serves as the site for cultural, historical, and recreational programs.
Historical re-enactments held at Fort Lee Historic Park:
“Fort Lee” (historical background)
Fort Lee found its place in American history during the 1776 British campaign to control New York City and the Hudson River.
After the siege of Boston, George Washington turned his attention to the defense of New York City and the Hudson River Valley. Along with the construction of fortifications at the City and Long Island, Washington felt it imperative to build and strengthen his defenses along the Hudson River.
The British plan was to control the length of the Hudson with the overwhelming dominance of its Royal Navy. The plan, if successful, would split the Colonies in half and, it was hoped, bring an early end to the American rebellion.
In July of 1776, work was begun on this site, which was first named “Fort Constitution.” The name was later changed to “Fort Lee,” to honor General Charles Lee, whose army had achieved a major victory at Charleston, South Carolina, that summer. On the high ground of northern Manhattan opposite Fort Lee, work had by that time already begun on another fort, called Fort Washington. On July 12, Admiral Richard Howe sent two British ships, the Rose and the Phoenix, up the Hudson. Cannon fire from Fort Washington had little effect on their passage; Washington ordered work on Fort Lee to continue as quickly as possible.
At Major General Israel Putnam’s suggestion, vessels were sunk in the river channel between the forts. With these obstructions, and artillery fire from the twin forts, it was believed by the Americans that no British ships would be able to sail past without sustaining severe losses.
King George III, wanting to end the rebellion as quickly as possible, had sent the largest armada of British ships and troops ever to leave England’s shores. By mid-August, Sir William Howe, British Commander-in-Chief (and brother to Admiral Howe), had assembled an army of over 31 thousand British and Hessian troops on Staten Island.
On August 22, the British landed on Long Island and five days later forced the Americans to retreat to New York City (at the time, the City comprised only the southern tip of Manhattan Island). In September, the British took New York City and the rest of Manhattan—except for Fort Washington.
On November 16, Fort Washington fell to an overwhelming assault by British forces, who captured over three thousand American troops.
Washington, realizing that with the loss of Fort Washington, Fort Lee was of little military value, ordered General Nathanael Greene, the commander at Fort Lee, to begin preparations to evacuate the fort. An orderly withdrawal, however, was not in store for the Americans.
On November 20, just four days after taking Fort Washington, the British had Lieutenant General Cornwallis ferry five thousand men across the Hudson several miles north of Fort Lee. When word of the crossing reached Washington, he ordered an immediate retreat, before his army could be cut off and captured by the British force. Most of the American supplies and artillery had to be left behind. These were indeed among the darkest days for the American cause, leading to Thomas Paine’s famous words,
“These are the times that try men’s souls…”
For more on the Invasion of New Jersey, see “On His Lordship’s Mysterious Ascent.”
•To protect our exhibits and displays… Food, drinks, and smoking are not allowed in the building.
•To protect the natural beauty of the park…
Litter must be placed in the proper receptacles. Do not pick flowers. Fires of any kind are prohibited.•To insure the health and safety of our visitors… Alcohol is prohibited in the Park. Pets are prohibited in the Park. Bicycles are not permitted beyond the parking area. Climbing on trees is prohibited.
•To preserve the dignity of the historic section… Climbing on gun batteries is prohibited. Picnicking is permitted only at the north end of the park. Ball playing, kites, and the like are not permitted.
•To avoid confusion… Groups and buses are permitted by reservation only.
Fort Lee Historic Park
Hudson Terrace, Fort Lee
Tel: 201 461-1776
John Muller
Director
Email address: jmuller*Kathy Barr
Historical interpreterDamian Charpentier
Historical interpreter
Email address: dcharpentier*Eugenia Despotakis
Historical interpreter
Email address: edespotakis**Staff email addresses (when available) = first initial + last name (no spaces, no periods) “at” njpalisades.org.
