Englewood During the Revolution - Chloe Voorhis

The Englewood Historical Society has conducted much research about Englewood during the American Revolution. In our history class with Ms. Mika, we learned that Englewood was vital to the Revolution! Even though no major battles were fought here, the war could have actually ended here. British General Lord Charles Cornwallis chased George Washington from New York City by crossing over the Hudson River. Cornwallis had nine thousand Redcoats traveling with him that was planning to capture rebel forces at Fort Lee. Once George Washington learned that General Cornwallis was on his trail, he abandoned Fort Lee and made his way into Englewood!

The Englewood Historical Society website states, “Contemporary reports suggest that the Americans passed through Liberty Pole just minutes before Cornwallis arrived, coming down Tenafly Road.” This means George Washington traveled through Englewood! How cool is that?

In 1776, George Washington informed the Continental Congress that he would be staying across from the Liberty Pole Tavern in Englewood for two or three days while his army foraged. Sadly, the house is no longer still standing today. However, there is another historical house in Englewood. We now call it the John G. Benson House because it was built in 1800 by farmer and former militia captain John G. Benson. The house was added to the National Register of Historic Places on January 9th, 1983. Its historical significance comes from being an example of post-Revolutionary War Dutch Colonial architecture. It now serves as the headquarters for the American Red Cross.

Did you know?

• Palisade Ave was called King's Highway during the Revolution. They renamed it to Palisades Ave after we won independence.
• People used to go horse racing on Tenafly Road.

Click this link to see Washington's retreat route activity we REVIEWED in Ms. Mika's class!