Our website is made possible by displaying online advertisements to our visitors.
Please consider supporting us by disabling your ad blocker.

Responsive image


Battle of White Plains

Battle of White Plains
Part of the American Revolutionary War

Battle of White Plains Historic Site
DateOctober 28, 1776
Location41°02′N 73°47′W / 41.03°N 73.78°W / 41.03; -73.78
Result British victory
Belligerents
 United States
Commanders and leaders
Strength
4,000–7,500[1] 3,100[2]
Casualties and losses
  • 48 killed
  • 182 wounded
  • 4 missing[3]
  • 50–150+ killed
  • 150+ wounded
  • 1 missing
  • 16 captured[4][3]

The Battle of White Plains took place during the New York and New Jersey campaign of the American Revolutionary War on October 28, 1776, near White Plains, New York. Following the retreat of George Washington's Continental Army northward from New York City, British General William Howe landed troops in Westchester County, intending to cut off Washington's escape route. Alerted to this move, Washington retreated farther, establishing a position in the village of White Plains but failing to establish firm control over local high ground. Howe's troops drove Washington's troops from a hill near the village; following this loss, Washington ordered the Americans to retreat farther north.

Later British movements chased Washington across New Jersey and into Pennsylvania. Washington then crossed the Delaware and surprised a brigade of Hessian troops in the December 26 Battle of Trenton.

  1. ^ British reports do not indicate exactly how many troops were engaged; most historians do not list specific values. Dawson estimates 7,500 (p. 269), more than one half of Howe's army. Alden estimates 4,000 (p. 273).
  2. ^ Dawson, p. 269. No exact count is known for the Massachusetts militia.
  3. ^ a b Dawson, p. 270
  4. ^ Dawson, p. 270. Numbers are minimum; casualties are not known for Haslet's regiment or the Massachusetts militia.

Previous Page Next Page