Battle Pass Historic Marker Plaque

Approaching the Battle Pass Historic Marker Plaque, a chill runs down your spine as you imagine the clash of swords and the roar of cannon fire. Here, amidst the tranquility of Prospect Park, lies a portal to a pivotal moment in American history. The Battle Pass Historic Marker Plaque commemorates the fierce struggle that took place on this very ground during the Battle of Long Island on August 27, 1776. Before it became a serene park, this area, known then as Flatbush Pass or Valley Grove, was a strategically crucial hill pass. It was a key point of conflict in the larger Battle of Long Island. American forces under General John Sullivan, outnumbered and outflanked, clashed with Hessian troops under Leopold Philip de Heister. The Battle Pass Historic Marker Plaque stands as a silent witness to their courage and sacrifice. Imagine the scene. American soldiers, numbering a mere 1,300, bravely positioned two cannons on Redoubt Hill. They felled the Dongan Oak, a massive boundary tree, to create a barricade against the advancing 5,000 Hessian troops. The fighting was intense and brutal. By late morning, the skirmish ended with Sullivan’s capture. The Hessians unleashed a devastating bayonet charge, resulting in significant American casualties. The Battle Pass Historic Marker Plaque tells a story of bravery and sacrifice. It’s a stark reminder of the cost of freedom. Many of the fallen American soldiers were buried at the nearby Flatbush Reformed Dutch Church Complex. The echoes of that fateful battle still resonate here at Battle Pass, now preserved within the peaceful embrace of Prospect Park. The very ground you stand on was once a battlefield. As you leave the Battle Pass Historic Marker Plaque, carry with you the memory of the courage displayed here. Remember the sacrifices made on this hallowed ground during the fight for American independence.