This Day in History: November 19

The Battle of Fort Lee was fought on November 19, 1776 between American and British forces. The British were led by Charles Cornwallis, while the Americans were led by Nathanael Greene.

Fort Lee was rendered defenseless after the defeat of Manhattan by advancing British soldiers. George Washington and Nathanael Greene ordered the evacuation of the fort on November 19, 1776, when 5,000 British troops ferried up the Hudson on barges. They landed near Closter, New Jersey. Washington quickly alerted the soldiers at Fort Lee, followed by a hasty retreat.