By Jessica Easthope
It’s a panoramic picture of Manhattan’s skyline from the Brooklyn Heights Promenade. But 250 years ago this spot offered more than a stunning view — it was a critical battlefield vantage point in the fight for freedom.
“We’re standing on such an iconic view of Manhattan and here in Brooklyn, one of the most beautiful spots in Brooklyn. But go back 250 years, obviously, everything looked very different. And this was really the scene of an incredible moment in American history,” said Father Anthony Andreassi, historian and administrative vicar at the Oratory Church of St. Boniface.
Father Andreassi points to the plaque that memorializes Four Chimneys, the home George Washington used as his headquarters during the Battle of Brooklyn, the largest battle of the entire Revolutionary War.
“You had to take advantage of any topography, anything that was given to you. Washington is using a spyglass to see into the distance. So, it was sort of a miracle of the American Revolution, that this all happened,” Fr. Andreassi said.
After a devastating defeat, Washington, who Father Andreassi says was hardly a military mastermind but did have strategic genius — ordered a daring retreat.
“For some reason, which no one can seem to understand, the British forces did not finish them off,” he said.
On the night of August 29, 1776 during a summer thunder storm, under cover of fog and darkness, Washington’s entire army crossed the East River to Manhattan.
“So when the British woke up on August 30, all the Americans had disappeared. They had lost their last chance to crush the American forces. For all intents and purposes, we lost. However, Washington, if you will, lost to fight another day,” Fr. Andreassi said.
Washington’s retreat ultimately helped secure American independence.
“But as soon as the revolution ended and the United States of America was born, the prospects, the fortunes of the Catholic community began to change dramatically,” he said.
Just three years after the end of the American Revolution the first Catholic church in New York City was built and religious freedom was no longer on the horizon — but in full view.
“So we’re standing in a spot which was the site of an enormously important battle, the American Revolution. But its effects, the ultimate win, actually starts to shape the Catholic community in the area,” Fr. Andreassi said.
From the Brooklyn Heights Promenade history turned and faith found its footing.