American Revolution: Washington Retreats from White Plains

October 28, 1776 - American troops are forced to retreat after the Battle of White Plains. After learning of British Major General William Howe's movement to New Rochelle, General George Washington abandoned his camp at the northern end of Manhattan and retreated to White Plains. Assuming a strong defensive position, Washington awaited Howe's attack. Arriving on October 28, 1776, Howe focused his assault on Chatterton's Hill on the extreme end of the American right flank. Initially undefended, the hill was quickly occupied by American forces under Major General Alexander McDougall. In the fighting that followed, Howe's men were able to overwhelm a valiant Continental defense to take the hill. With his flank threatened, Washington was forced to retreat north, then west across New Jersey. Rather than follow Washington, Howe turned south and took Forts Washington and Lee, completing his conquest of the New York City area.