Andrew Poppe worms the cannon barrel after firing to prepare it for the next round.
Two hundred and thirty six years ago, the Battle of Brooklyn was fought on the land that is now a part of the Green-wood Cemetery.
As a way to celebrate the anniversary, the Green-Wood Historic Fund marked the battle on Sunday, August 26, at Green-Wood Cemetery, located at Fifth Avenue and 25th Street, with Revolutionary War re-enactors demonstrating riflery techniques and firing cannons, a parade and a commemorative ceremony at the top of Battle Hill in the shadow of the historic statue of Minerva.
Muskets were fired at the reenactment of the Battle of Brooklyn at Green-Wood Cemetery.
The day began with a “trolley tour of historically significant sites,” that started at 10 a.m., and which was led by Green-Wood historian, Jeff Richman, and also by Barnet Schecter, author of the widely-praised book The Battle for New York: The City at the Heart of the American Revolution.
The parade that began at noon featured The Regimental Band of the United States Merchant Marine Academy and The Battle of Brooklyn Memorial Society presented an 18th-century cooking demonstration of Colonial-era dishes, prepared by Carolina Capehart.
Michael Slifka explains the gun he uses to the audience.
Music from the Revolutionary War period was provided by Sampawams Creek.
Green-Wood President, Richard Moylan, said that the cemetery was, “proud to work with The Battle of Brooklyn Memorial Society and offer an entire day’s worth of events that bring together generations of families to learn about Green-Wood’s rich history.”
He believes that it is important to “stop and reflect on the sacrifices [that] these brave soldiers made in America’s campaign for independence.”
Ben Franklin, played by Jack Sherry, with his kite.
The event, according to a report by the Green-wood Historic Fund “boasted the largest group of Revolutionary War re-enactors assembled in New York in more than 10 years.”
The Battle of Brooklyn began on August 27, 1776. A scant 2,000 colonists faced 6,000 British troops and held them back in the largest battle (in terms of the number of soldiers engaged) of the Revolution.
SUNSET PARK — “As a resident of Marine Park, one of the great surprises I found biking around Industry City and visiting Japan Village was to discover Bush Terminal Park. I continue to be amazed at the serene hideaways that the city offers in some of the busiest places — and, still, with an iconic view.”
BROOKLYN HEIGHTS — ‘A miracle that no one was killed …’ That’s what neighbors are saying about the collapse of the Hotel St. George marquee. Shown in this photograph are workmen beginning the removal and repair of the historic, old neon sign at the corner, referencing a relic of Brooklyn Heights’ past: the St. George Hotel.
ATLANTIC AVENUE — Exhausted shopper with cluster of bags and goods from mall at Boerum Place stops to look at huge construction site across the street. “Is that REALLY going to be a jail??” Her male companion is reassuring, “Nothing like Rikers … this is 21st Century.”
BROOKLYN HEIGHTS — Overheard in line at one of most popular pastry outlets on Montague Street: “Hope I can get them into a camp …” A mother with two pre-schoolers in tow was showing a friend the Dodge Y flyer for Healthy Kids Day on Saturday, April 18.
