2015.006

Conklin, Patricia

Gift

Gift of Patricia Conklin.

1903 - 1907

Date(s) Created: 1907 Date(s): 1903-1907

Notes: Background information from two sources is below. ==== 1. Text below as found in 2015 at: http://www.paulushookcondos.com/Paulus-Hook-Landmarks PAULUS HOOK MONUMENT George Washington's "Flying Camp" was situated here in Paulus Hook in 1776. It also later served as the point of a key battle in the Revolutionary War, for which this monument was erected in 1903. It was originally located in the middle of Grand and Washington Street until falling over after repeatedly being hit by trucks. In 1776, the patriot colonists decided to defend the western banks of the Hudson and built several forts, one of which was located at Paulus Hook. After suffering defeats in New York City, the rebels took leave of Paulus Hook and the British occupied it. The fort was naturally a strong position that guarded the gateway to New Jersey. In mid-summer 1779, the flamboyant 23-year old Princeton graduate, Major Henry "Light Horse Harry" Lee recommended to General George Washington a daring "hit and run" plan to attack the fort. The assault was planned to begin shortly after mid-night on August 19. Lee led a force of about 300 men, some of who got lost during the march, through the swampy, marsh, land. The attack was late in getting started but the main contingent of the force was able to reach the fort's gate without being challenged. It is believed that the British thought that the force they saw approaching the fort was the return of an ally Hessian patrol. The attacking patriots were unable to use their muskets effectively since their gunpowder had gotten wet. So, they were ordered by Lee to fix bayonets. They succeeded in damaging the fort and took 158 prisoners. But, they were unable to destroy the fort and spike all its cannons. As daytime arrived, Lee decided that prudent action demanded that the patriots withdraw before the British forces from New York could cross the river. The importance of the battle rests on the fact that it forced the British to abandon their plans for taking rebel positions in the New York area. Paulus Hook remained in British hands until after the war. On November 22, 1783, the British evacuated Paulus Hook and sailed home. "Light Horse Harry" Lee settled in Virginia, to become one of the Commonwealth's early governors. He died in 1818. Perhaps, he is best remembered for being the father of the Robert E. Lee, the Confederate Civil War general. Paulus Hook Historic District New Jersey State Register (1981) Paulus Hook Historic District National Register #82003276 (1982) ==== ==== 2. Text below as found in 2015 at: http://www.thetrompetergroup.com/blog/things-you-didnt-know-about-paulus-hook-jersey-city.html The Paulus Hook battle monument rests stoically at the intersection of Grand and Washington. It rises up as a 25-foot obelisk of unhewn granite that was originally installed in 1903 through the efforts of the Daughters of the American Revolution (DAR). The DAR's Paulus Hook Chapter was organized in 1899 in the house of founding member Eversest B. Kiersted, which became the private girls' school of St. Aloysius Academy. Though only in its infancy, the DAR chapter managed to oversee planning and construction of this mega monument and its subsequent dedication on November 21, 1903. During Paulus Hook Day, it was unveiled to residents and notable attendees including Mayor [Mark M.] Fagan and General Fitz Hugh Lee, the great-grandson of our Paulus Hook hero. As a side note, a milk truck toppled the structure 32 years later, breaking it into near rubble. Since the base and its circular steps remained unharmed, it was decided that the monument would be resurrected in the same location. The driver of the milk truck was given a summons for reckless driving and we'd like to think community service during the rebuild. ==== ==== Status: OK Status By: dw Status Date: 2015-01-29