“Times that try men’s souls.” Those words were written near West Fort Lee Road. Imagine General Washington and his troops retreating. They were facing the overwhelming might of the British army.
West Fort Lee Road sits in a place with a rich history. It is located in Fort Lee, New Jersey. This borough got its name from a Revolutionary War encampment. It is named after General Charles Lee.
Fort Lee’s story begins long before the American Revolution. The Lenape people were here first. Captain Henry Hudson recorded the area in 1609. Later, in 1756, Stephen Bourdette acquired land that included present-day Fort Lee. His stone house became Washington’s headquarters.
In 1776, Fort Lee became crucial during the British campaign. The goal was to control New York City and the Hudson River. The British wanted to split the colonies in half. Washington understood the importance of the Hudson. He started building fortifications. Fort Constitution was built and later named Fort Lee. Fort Washington was built on the opposite shore. The plan was to stop British ships.
Admiral Richard Howe tested the forts on July 12. British ships sailed up the Hudson. Cannon fire from Fort Washington had little effect. Washington ordered that work on Fort Lee be sped up. Ships were sunk in the river channel. It was hoped that the obstructions and artillery would halt the British.
King George III sent a massive armada. By mid-August, Sir William Howe had 31000 troops on Staten Island. On August 22, the British landed on Long Island. They forced the Americans to retreat. Battles raged in New York City. The British then turned their attention to Fort Washington.
On November 16, Fort Washington fell. The British captured over 2000 American troops. The Continental Army crossed the Hudson. They manned the fortifications at Fort Lee. Washington designated Monument Park as an encampment. Huts were built around Parker’s Pond.
Washington realized Fort Lee was not valuable after the loss of Fort Washington. He prepared to evacuate through New Jersey. On November 20, General Cornwallis crossed the Hudson north of Fort Lee. Washington ordered an immediate retreat. Supplies and artillery were left behind. Thomas Paine was with Washington’s army. He wrote “These are the times that try men’s souls”. These words capture the dire situation faced near West Fort Lee Road.
West Fort Lee Road saw the beginning of a turning point. Washington’s army retreated. They regrouped. They eventually crossed the Delaware River. This led to victories at Trenton and Princeton. The retreat from Fort Lee was a dark time. But it set the stage for American victory.
Today, West Fort Lee Road is a reminder of that pivotal moment. It is a testament to the resilience and determination of the American forces. As you walk here, remember the sacrifices made. Remember the words written in the face of adversity. They still resonate today.