Kings Bridge constituted the ^^ barrier" of the British hne, when they occupied New York Island, while as far north as the Croton extended, the " Neutral Ground." Like the pass of ancient Thermopylae, Kings bridge can boast of her faithful bands of Spartans, whofought for " liberty or death." As early as May 25, 1775, Congress ordered,

" That a post be immediately taken and fortified, at or near Kings bridge, and that the ground be chosen with a particular view to prevent the communication between the city of New York and the country from being interrupted by land.*'

On the abandonment of Manhattan Island in 1776, by the American Army, Kingsbridge was occupied by the American General as head quarters.

This bridge was the scene of a bloody conflict between a portion of the Continental army under the command of Major General Heath, and a large body of Hessians under Knyphausen.

.Tanuary 17, 1777, a detachment " says Heath with two field pieces, was ordered to move lo the south of the fort, (in which was a garrison of Hessians who had refused to surrender,) to a hill above Harlem creek, not far from the New Bridge.'' When the detachmentarrived at this place, a battalion of Hessians appeared drawn up on the side of the hill just within Kings bridge, and back of Hyatt's tavern. Our general (Heath) ordered the artillery to cannonade them immediately. The first shot just clearsd the right of the battalion, nearly a platoon settling down as the shot passed them, which entered the bank close behind them. The second shot passed about the centre of the battalion, when to the amount of a grand division settled down, which was an evidence that they would not stand much longer. One of the pieces was ordered to be drawn lower down the hill ; on which the battalion quitted their ground and marched off as fast as they could, without running to get behind the redoubt and hill at the bridge receiving one shot more as they were turning round the point.