About This Tour
In a neighborhood most New Yorkers think of as just another stretch of Midtown — and a boring one at that — you'll stand where all of the action happened. You'll hear the story of the weeks and months leading up to the invasion and its aftermath, walk the ground where terrified American militia fled, and visit the site of the mythic "Mrs. Murray's Tea" in what is now Murray Hill — an event that may have saved thousands of American lives.
History is always more vivid when you're standing in the middle of it. On this tour, you are.
Highlights
- Relive the Invasion of Manhattan — stand at the edge of the East River where British warships launched the largest naval cannonade of the entire Revolutionary War
- Walk the Battleground — retrace the American militia's desperate retreat through streets you walk today
- The Mythic "Mrs. Murray's Tea" — discover how a Quaker patriot reportedly delayed British troops with cake and tea, buying precious time for the American army to escape
- A Devastating Loss — find out how this defeat demoralized the American forces and led to the seven-year British occupation of Manhattan
- Life Under British Rule — learn about the chaos and fear that struck New Yorkers as thousands of British soldiers took over the city
- Washington's Close Call — visit the spot where General Washington rode into the fray and came within yards of capture by the British forces
Itinerary
1
2
East River Esplanade
Look out over the East River where five British warships opened fire on Manhattan, launching the largest naval cannonade of the entire Revolutionary War.
3
Defender's Position
Stand at the spot where roughly 900 Connecticut militia were posted and promptly fled as the British came ashore.
4
Former Site of the Inclenberg Estate
Discover where the home of Patriot Mary Lindley Murray once stood.
5
Park Avenue and 41st Street — "The Rout"
The intersection where panic turned into collapse as fleeing soldiers spread terror to citizens and other regiments.
6
Tour End — Bryant Park
Where General Washington rode into the chaos to rally his troops — but instead came within yards of capture by the British forces.
Part of a Two-Tour Series
This tour is a companion to Battlegrounds of Central Park: From the Revolution to the War of 1812. They can be enjoyed separately or together — Kip's Bay is Part 1, Central Park is Part 2.
Your Guide
