house. This is the site that Benedict Arnold and John Andre met to discuss the surrender of West Point to the British forces. This particular city lost colonial control to the British forces, but regained power in 1779 (Jones, pg 61). The American forces did not attempt to hold the fort, but its capture was important in strengthening the morale of the Continental Army. In West Point troops of the Continental Army occupied the area in January 1778 during the American Revolution. As the key to the defense in the Hudson River valley, it was strongly fortified by the Americans; an iron chain was laid across the river between West Point and Constitution Island to prevent British vessels from proceeding up the river. In 1780 the American commander, Benedict Arnold, attempted to betray the post to the British, but his plan was upset by the capture of the British Major John Andr. West Point became U.S. government property in 1790 (Jones, pg 63). Certain pivotal battles took place in the Hudson Valley region. One of those battles took place near the city of White Plains, it was fought on October 28, 1776. This battle involved in the action were a force of approximately 2000 Americans, under the command of George Washington, and an estimated 13,000 British troops led by the British commander in chief Sir William Howe (Ferguson, pg 62). Washington had lost New York City to the British late that summer, repulsed a British advance at Harlem Heights on October 16, and withdrawn to White Plains on October 21. Despite poor morale from defeats and desertions, the Americans offered unexpectedly strong resistance. The British captured the hill after severe fighting. Howe, having decided that the Americans were still too strong; decided to wait for reinforcements before pressing his advantage. Washington drew back to a well-fortified position about 3 km (2 mi) north of White Plains. Because of Howe's hesitation in continuing the attack, Washington w...
