WPCNR North End Patriot. By John F. Bailey. October 30, 2006: Sunday, 230 years and a day after it unfolded on Purdy Hill, White Plainsians and members of the White Plains Historical Society gathered to commemorate the stand of the Colonial Army in the Battle of White Plains in 1776. About 100 citizens wended their way to Park Circle to the old Purdy House – General George Washington’s headquarters where he strategized that battle – to remember on the crisp autumn afternoon.
Gunsmoke from White Plains Past: Reenacters Remember with a volley for the fallen. Color Guard members, Pauling’s Independent Corps of Levies, 23rd Regiment of Foot, Royal Welsh Fusiliers fire as the names of White Plains citizens who fought in the Battle of White Plains and died that day 230 years ago were remembered Sunday: Photo, Courtesy, Carl Albanese, for WPCNR News
The first Patriots of White Plains were: James Carpenter, Jacob Cypher, John Drake, John Faulkner, William Field, Elizah Fisher, John Fisher, Moses Fowler, Robert Graham, Daniel Hatfield, Joshua Hatfield, Daniel Horton, John Hosier, Benjamin Lyon, John Martin, Caleb Merritt, Anthony Miller, Cornelius Oakley, Joseph Prior, Jacob Purdy and John Travis.
The White Plains High School Marching Band, led by Leslie Tomplins remembered with selections and the playing of the Start Spangled Banner. Photo, Courtesy Carl Albanese, for WPCNR News.
A makeshift Colonials encampment recreating typical camp on Purdy Hill was erected for youngsters to get the feel of that day long ago when the citizens of White Plains, Connecticut, and Maryland fought for freedom against overwhelming odds. Photo, WCPNR News
Jack Harrington, past President, defends Purdy House from a “Redcoat.” PHOTO, WPCNR NEWS.
Continentals on watch at Purdy Hill. Photo, WPCNR News
The Battle of White Plains skirmish grounds involved the Battle Hill neighborhood (then known as Chatterton Hill) across the Bronx River and Purdy Hill (where the Purdy House is located). British and Hessian (German Forces) opened cannon fire on Chatterton Hill and charged up Battle Hill into a small colonial force under Colonel Charles Webb and forces from Connecticut. The force outnumbered 2 to 1 defended Chatteron fiercely against waves of red-coated British troops, until overwhelmed by British cavalry and forced to retreat to Purdy Hill. A total of 500 men from both sides were killed or wounded in the Chatterton Hill assault. General William Howe delayed attacking the remnants of Washington’s force encamped on Purdy Hill, allowing Washington to retreat and escape with the bulk of his army intact. The “hold” on Chatterton Hill is considered the first turning point of the American Revolution.
