Battle+of+White+Plains

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The Battle of White Plains was a battle in the [|American Revolutionary War] fought on October 28, 1776, near [|White Plains], [|New York]. Following the path of [|George Washington]'s [|Continental Army] north from [|New York City], [|British] General [|William Howe] landed troops in [|Westchester County], with intentions of blocking Washington's escape route. When[| Rufus Putnam] became aware of the dangers of this move he immediately alerted George. Washington then began to [|retreat]further, retaining a position in the village of White Plains, but failed to keep control over the grounds. Howe's troops drove Washington's troops from a hill near the village, leading the British in a [|Victory].
 * __** Sir William Howe **__

The British army was commanded by Lt. Gen. William Howe. Howe pursued Washington slowly out of New York City into the countrysid e. At Chatterson's Hill, Howe started out with an [|artillery] [|bombardment], then sent a 4,000 men to attack the American force. First, he sent 3 Hessian [|regiments], commanded by [|Johann Rall], across the river, where they set up positions about 1/2 mile from Chatterson's Hill. Next, the rest of the attacking force crossed downstream,and made their way up the hill. Finally, the 17th [|Dragoons]were sent on a [|cavalry charge], the first cavalry charge of the war. || ||
 * __** General George Washington **__

In the Battle of White Plains, General George Washington's objective was to escape the British while exporting many of their supplies before they could be captured by the British force.Washington had to leave about 2,800 troops, commanded by [|Robert Magaw], to oversee Fort Washington and another 3,500 troops under [|General Nathanael Greene] to defend the shore at [|Fort Lee]. Their task was to prevent the British from moving upriver above the forts and into the Hudson River Valley.

At White Plains, Washington spread his army approx. 3 miles.The right[| flank] was led by General William Heth, and the center was commanded by Washington, and the right flank was led by [|General Israel Putnam]. || ||

The Elijah Miller House, which served as George Washington's headquarters in White Plains. A 1796 map showing the strategies of the opposing armies. Battle of White Plains 150th Anniversary Issue of 1926