Battle of Paulus Hook

Historical Information : Before Europeans : Colonization : Battle of Paulus Hook : Road to Urbanization : Notable Neighborhood Buildings : Historical References : Jersey City Past and Present

While this battle garners only a small piece of U.S. Revolutionary History, it is an important part of the history of New Jersey and certainly it has an important place in the history of the neighborhood. A Monument was erected in 1903 to memorialize the battle. It was originally located in the middle of Grand and Washington Street until falling over after being hit by trucks over and over again. The obelisk that presently stands on the southeast corner replaced it.

In 1776, the patriot colonists decided to defend the western banks of the Hudson and built several forts, one of which was located at Paulus Hook. After suffering defeats in New York City, the rebels took leave of Paulus Hook and the British occupied it. The fort was naturally a strong position that guarded the gateway to New Jersey. In mid-summer 1779, the flamboyant 23-year old Princeton graduate, Major Henry "Light Horse Harry" Lee recommended to General George Washington a daring "hit and run" plan to attack the fort. The assault was planned to begin shortly after mid-night on August 19. Lee led a force of about 300 men, some of who got lost during the march, through the swampy, marsh, land. The attack was late in getting started but the main contingent of the force was able to reach the fort's gate without being challenged. It is believed that the British thought that the force they saw approaching the fort was the return of an ally Hessian patrol. The attacking patriots were unable to use their muskets effectively since their gunpowder had gotten wet. So, they were ordered by Lee to fix bayonets. They succeeded in damaging the fort and took 158 prisoners. But, they were unable to destroy the fort and spike all its cannons. As daytime arrived, Lee decided that prudent action demanded that the patriots withdraw before the British forces from New York could cross the river. The importance of the battle rests on the fact that it forced the British to abandon their plans for taking rebel positions in the New York area. Paulus Hook remained in British hands until after the war. On November 22, 1783, the British evacuated Paulus Hook and sailed home. "Light Horse Harry" Lee settled in Virginia, to become one of the Commonwealth's early governors. He died in 1818. Perhaps, he is best remembered for being the father of the Robert E. Lee, the Confederate Civil War general.

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