The situation as finally developed was in detail briefly as follows: On the east side of the river, just above Peekskill village, was a work called Fort Independence.1 This was substantially completed during the winter of 1770-77. There was at that time no other fort on the Westchester shore, although later Fort Lafayette was built at the extremity of Yerplanck's Point to protect the King's Ferry route, and on a hill near Cortlandtville Fort Lookout was constructed. Above Peekskill the passes into the Highlands were protected by detachments of troops, the principal pass being at Robinson's Bridge. In this vicinity was located the celebrated Continental Village, where the stores were stationed and extensive barracks were erected. From Anthony's Nose to the west shore the chain designed to obstruct the navigation was stretched. This contrivance, besides being very costly, gave the American engineers a vast deal of trouble. On November 21, 1776, General Heath reported that it had li twice broke." Cables were stretched in front of the chain, says Irving, to break the force of any ship under way before she could strike it. 1 Thus there were two forts of this name In Westchester County, the other (frequently ref erred to in the preceding pages) having br< n at Kingsbridge.

41(5

HISTORY

WESTCHESTER

COUNTY

On the west side, beginning at the north, was Fort Montgomery. This was located directly opposite Anthony's Nose and just above a little stream called Poplopen's Creek. On the south side of the crook was Fort Clinton. These two strongholds, with the co-operation of Fort Independence below and the help of the obstructing chain, were deemed adequate to the protection of the river. II was considered impossible that the enemy would ever attempt to march through the diffieull passes south of Fori Clinton and attack that place and Fort Montgomery from the rear-- although just such a contingency was foreseen by Washington while at Peekskill, and he had recommended the erection of a southerly fort on the west side.