The Battle of White Plains took place on October 28, 1776. After British forces captured a key position on the west side of White Plains, the Americans were forced to retreat. According to legend, a Hessian soldier fighting for the Britsh was killed during the battle and returned as the legendary “Headless Horseman of Sleepy Hollow.”
Americans Win the Battle of Harlem Heights
After British forces took control of New York City on September 15, General George Washington was forced to move north to Harlem Heights with the Continental Army. British forces, led by General William Howe, attacked on September 16, but the Americans held their ground and won the Battle of Harlem Heights.
British Forces Delayed at the Battle of Pell’s Point
A month later, Howe tried to flank Washington at Harlem Heights. His plan was to attack Washington from the east and push him out of Harlem Heights to the Hudson River. If that happened, then the Continental Army would be trapped between Howe’s army and the British Navy, which controlled the Hudson. Howe tried on October 12 but was pushed back at Throggs Neck.