The Battle of White Plains: Washington and Howe in Westchester

by Stephen Paul Devillo

Washington's Harrowing Escape from the Hudson Valley In October 1776 central Westchester witnessed a critical episode in the early campaign of George Washington's ragtag Continental Army and its quest for American independence. Often overlooked as just an interval between the disastrous Battle of Brooklyn and victory at Trenton, the Battle of White Plains showcased Washington's sly strategy of perseverance. Poor decision making and ignorance of the area's hilly terrain among British leadership gave the patriot army a chance to secure a path to safety despite being on the run and outmanned. Though British General Howe claimed victory, the battle's lessons informed Washington's cat and mouse strategy that ultimately brought success later in the war. Author Stephen Paul DeVillo presents just how close the American cause for independence came to being extinguished at the Battle of White Plains.

128 pages, Paperback

Published June 20, 2022

Reviews

[Bill Martimucci · Rating 4 out of 5]

Fascinating historical account about the skirmishes and battles, troop movements, outcomes, leaders and solders stories. This being in my own back yard in Westchester County, NY.

[W M · Rating 5 out of 5]

As a member of “Daughter’s of Liberty’s Legacy” here in New York, I must highly recommend “The Battle of White Plains,” by Stephen Paul Devillo. Whether a Hudson Valley local or scholar of the Revolution, Devillo’s wonderfully detailed account properly places the battle in its proper context of helping maintain the Revolution. Just as the White Mist from the Bronx River obscures the city on a cool morning, the significance of the battle has been shrouded in shame for sometime. My city of birth became the site of one of the most pivotal moments in the Revolution, one where the entire enterprise could have been lost forever. While forcing Washington from the field, the Continentals achieved their objective of safely securing their supply depots north to the defenses on the Croton and the Hudson Highlands. In the battle, we can catch glimpses of almost every major Revolutionary figure and unit in early development. It is this opportunity to view that evolution, which truly is the strength of this work.