Battle Pass is the notch in Prospect Park where Pennsylvania and New England soldiers held a line against British and Hessian troops in 1776, and replica fortifications still mark it. This one-hour tour walks there from Lefferts Historic House, telling the Battle of Brooklyn through soldiers, through Flatbush's aftermath, and through the Africans the Lefferts family enslaved. If you want this history on the ground it happened on, take this walk.
What to expect
Gather at Lefferts Historic House and leave promptly, because the guide does not wait. The route runs through the park to Battle Pass and back over roughly an hour, with stops where the guide sets 1776 against what you can actually see now. In the Lefferts yard there is also an exhibit on the roles Black people played in the battle.
Good to know
- The B and Q to Prospect Park station put you closest to Lefferts Historic House.
- The tour leaves promptly from Lefferts Historic House and does not wait for latecomers.
- RSVP through prospectpark.org — the tour costs nothing but the Alliance wants a headcount.
- Paths are mostly paved with some slope near Battle Pass; manageable with a stroller.
- Tours can be canceled for extreme heat or heavy rain, so check the Alliance site or its social channels before heading out.
- Bring water and a hat; parts of the route sit in open sun.
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Common questions
Do I need to RSVP?
Yes. RSVP through prospectpark.org. The tour is free, but the Alliance uses RSVPs to size the group.
What happens if the weather is bad?
Tours may be canceled for extreme heat or heavy rain. Prospect Park Alliance posts real-time updates on its website and social channels.
How long is it and where does it end?
About an hour, beginning and ending at Lefferts Historic House.
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