Symposium – Revolutionary Resistance at Pelham Bay

Link to register: bronxhistory.org/symposium

This symposium at SUNY Maritime College on October 4th, will explore the important Revolutionary War Battle of Pell’s Point/Pelham that happened on October 18, 1776.  It is widely considered to be the most important battle to occur in The Bronx during the American Revolution.

The symposium will feature historians Friederike Baer, Nick Dembowski of the Kingsbridge Historical Society, and Professor Lloyd Ultan, with a Q&A moderated by Steven Payne of Bronx County Historical Society and David Allen, SUNY Maritime Humanities Department. Participants will also have an opportunity to explore the grounds of SUNY Maritime College, including historic Fort Schuyler, and view the New York State Parks travelling exhibit, “Revisit the Revolution.” Visitors will also enjoy the amazing view of New York City from the base of the Throg’s Neck Bridge. Appropriate for adults and students (high school and beyond).

More about the battle of Pell’s Point/Pelham:

On October 18, 1776, approximately 750 Patriot soldiers under Colonel John Glover – including the 14th Continental Regiment, also known as the Marblehead Mariners, and three other Massachusetts regiments — executed a brilliant tactical engagement that delayed and resisted a much larger British force under General William Howe. Howe’s troops had landed on the Pell’s Point peninsula hoping to disrupt American supply lines and possibly block the northward escape of General George Washington’s Continental Army from northern Manhattan, where it was facing the balance of the British forces.  This little acknowledged but pivotal battle delayed the British and helped Washington’s forces to successfully evacuate Manhattan in 1776 and survive to continue the fight for independence.  The following events will acknowledge the anniversary of the most consequential Revolutionary War battle within the boundaries of the modern Bronx.

This event is organized by Revolutionary Westchester 250, Bronx County Historical Society, Kingsbridge Historical Society, and SUNY Maritime College.

This program is supported, in part, by public funds from the New York City Department of Cultural Affairs and the NYC Department of Youth and Community Development in partnership with the City Council.

The Kingsbridge Historical Society’s programs are made possible by the New York State Council on the Arts with the support of the Office of the Governor and the New York State Legislature.