<p>The largest battle of the Revolutionary War began with the British moving into position on Long Island</p>

An action of the American Revolutionary War at the western edge of Long Island in the present-day Brooklyn, New York. The British defeated the Americans and gained access to the strategically important Port of New York, which they held for the rest of the war. It was the first major battle to take place after the United States declared its independence on July 4, and in troop deployment and combat, it was the biggest battle of the war.

Site of Battle of Long Island

Battle of Long Island

 Kaplan discusses the Battle of Long Island, the disastrous American army defeat and their escape across the East River to Manhattan. New York City remains British until the end of the war, and NYC is struck by a fire on September 21, 1776. 