Bergen's Fort: The Post at Paulus Hook, 1776 1783

Only one place in Bergen County was continuously occupied by troops for the bulk of the American Revolution, Paulus Hook. Now Jersey City, Hudson County, the fort was opposite the City of New York and was to be used in conjunction with fortifications in Manhattan to deter British shipping and prevent their troops landing in New Jersey. Captured by the British in September 1776, it remained in their hands through November 1783 and was used to launch many raids into the countryside. In 1779, Henry Lee, Jr. led 400 Continental troops from New Bridge to attack the post, at the time garrisoned primarily by Bergen Country troops fighting for the British. Join BCHS past-president Todd W. Braisted as he discusses many of the events involving Bergen’s fort.