Landing at Kip's Bay

BelligerentsGreat Britain
Hesse-CasselUnited StatesCommanders and leadersHenry Clinton
Richard HoweGeorge WashingtonStrength 4,000 500Casualties and losses 12 killed and wounded 50 killed
320 captured

The landing at Kip's Bay was a Britishamphibious landing carried out on September 15, 1776 during the New York and New Jersey campaign of the American Revolutionary War. It occurred on the East River shore of Manhattan north of what then constituted New York City.

Heavy advance fire from British naval forces in the East River caused the inexperienced American militia guarding the landing area to flee, allowing the British to land unopposed at Kip's Bay. Skirmishes in the aftermath of the landing resulted in the British capturing a number of American militiamen. British maneuvers following the landing very nearly cut off the escape route of some Continental Army forces stationed further southeast on the island. The flight of American troops was so rapid that General George Washington, who was attempting to rally them, was left exposed dangerously close to British lines.

The operation was a British success. It forced the Continental Army to withdraw to Harlem Heights, ceding control of New York City on the lower half of the island. However, Washington established strong positions on Harlem Heights, which he defended in a fierce skirmish between the two armies the following day. General William Howe, unwilling to risk a costly frontal attack, did not attempt to advance further up the island for another two months.