History Bronx River Introduction

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History

"Watershed" is a word that is often used, as in a "watershed event", to describe a crucial turning point in history.

But watersheds - the geological kind you are studying now - themselves affect history.

Your own watershed's history might include a struggle over the building of a mighty hydroelectric dam, or a major fish kill, or a notorious and deadly dam break, such as that in Johnstown, Pa.

This is the story of how the Bronx River helped General George Washington's army live another day during the Revolutionary war.

Actors re-enact the Battle of White Plains.

In October of 1776, two armies met in battle at the village of White Plains. The American army was commanded by General George Washington, the British by General William Howe. General Washington had his army of about thirteen thousand just north of the village, behind hastily devised fortifications, with the hills behind them to retreat to, if necessary. He also had about sixteen hundred men and two cannons on top of Chatterton’s Hill, a high hill on the west side of the Bronx River. These were led by Captain Alexander Hamilton. The British General Howe was very cautious, and his troops were in two divisions. Upon landing he saw that the Americans had what appeared to be formidable fortifications. Therefore, he attempted first to drive the Americans from Chatterton’s Hill. On the slopes southeast of the present railway station, he planted almost twenty cannons. Under cover of the cannons his troops constructed a rude bridge across the Bronx River, over which British passed, and attempted to ascend the steep, wooded Chatterton's Hill to drive the Americans from it. This was made difficult by Hamilton’s cannons. But with reinforcements, they pushed their way up and took over the American post at Chatterton’s Hill. At this point General Howe could have attacked Washington’s army. But the fortifications (composed chiefly of cornstalks covered lightly with earth), looked too strong, and he waited for reinforcements. They arrived but with them came a severe storm of wind and rain that caused the Bronx River to flood and rise. When it stopped in the wee hours of the night, Washington, perceiving Howe’s advantage and impending assault, used the cover of darkness to withdraw his troops. Howe did not follow. General George Washington, with the help of the Bronx River, and the conservative strategy of General Howe, lived to fight another day with his troops.

Even if there are no high dramas, your watershed has some interesting stories. Try to dig them up. They can help bring your watershed reports and presentations to life.

#3. Check the Web, your local library and, if you have one, your local historical society. Jot down and two or three interesting facts about the history of your watershed.
Ask a relative - maybe a grandparent or greatgrandparent- how the local river, pond, lake or stream has affected their lives, and how their watershed has changed since they were young.