The Center for Brooklyn History at Brooklyn Public Library debuted a new exhibition exploring the Battle of Brooklyn, the largest battle of the Revolutionary War.
Through artifacts, artwork, historical documents and a rare map, the exhibition examines both the events of the battle and its complex legacy in Brooklyn’s history. Roughly 300 people were killed, about 800 were wounded and more than 1,000 were captured before George Washington led a dramatic overnight escape of his remaining troops across the East River.
Beyond recounting military strategy and the scale of the conflict, the exhibition reflects on how the battle shaped Brooklyn’s identity over time. At the time of the Revolutionary War, Brooklyn was home to only a few thousand residents, yet the area played a pivotal role in the struggle for American independence.
“While the battle itself is an astonishing story of warfare, tragedy, leadership and luck, and was the largest of the entire war for American independence, 250 years later I’m just as compelled by what this history has meant to Brooklyn," said Dominique Jean-Louis, chief historian at the Center for Brooklyn History. "Although only about 4,000 people called Brooklyn home at the time, every single person living in Brooklyn today—all 2.6 million people—gets to claim that legacy.”
The exhibition also encourages visitors to think critically about how history is remembered. Washington’s retreat and the subsequent British occupation of New York City initially left many early Brooklyn residents feeling a sense of defeat and embarrassment.
Over the decades, however, public memory shifted and the borough began commemorating its role in the fight for independence through monuments and historical recognition. This evolving perspective highlights how communities reinterpret difficult moments and why historical reflection remains relevant today.
Another major focus is the story of the prison ships anchored in the East River near what is now the Brooklyn Navy Yard. Thousands of captured Americans were held in brutal conditions aboard decommissioned vessels during the war.
Many prisoners suffered from disease, starvation and overcrowding, and a significant portion of Revolutionary War deaths occurred among those held captive. The exhibition presents this history as a stark reminder of the human cost of conflict.
The Battle of Brooklyn: Fought and Remembered will remain on view through the end of 2026, accompanied by public programs centered on democracy, historical memory and civic life.
