In 1776, Washington's troops turned and pushed back British light infantry on the fields that are now Morningside Heights, a morale boost days after losing lower Manhattan. The Sons of the Revolution mark the 250th with a parade down Broadway from 129th to 116th Street, near the Columbia campus where they placed a bronze battle tablet in 1897. If you love Revolutionary history, see the anniversary where it happened.
What to expect
Marchers step off on Broadway at West 129th Street and head south to West 116th Street at the edge of Columbia's campus. Expect a ceremonial procession with remarks from the society's president, Columbia historian David Eisenbach and a chaplain's prayer. A viewing of the society's exhibit at Butler Library and a reception at Mess Hall Harlem follow, but both are private.
Good to know
- Free to watch from the Broadway sidewalks along the route
- The 1 train stops at 125 St and 116 St–Columbia, both right on the route
- Standing near 116th Street puts you close to where the parade ends
- The Butler Library exhibit viewing and the Mess Hall Harlem reception are private, not open to the public
- It's a weekday midday event, so expect normal Broadway traffic around it
- Good for history buffs and families with kids studying the Revolution
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Common questions
What was the Battle of Harlem Heights?
It was a Revolutionary War clash on September 16, 1776, in what is now Morningside Heights and West Harlem. Continental troops pushed back British light infantry, giving the army a morale boost after it lost lower Manhattan.
Can the public attend?
The parade runs down Broadway from West 129th to West 116th Street and can be watched from the street. The exhibit viewing at Columbia's Butler Library and the reception afterward are private.
Who is organizing the commemoration?
The Sons of the Revolution in the State of New York, a hereditary society that dedicated a bronze tablet marking the battle on Columbia's campus in 1897.
