Barnard College - Mortarboard Yearbook (New York, NY)

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The Bicentennial or Buy-Centennial, whichever you prefer, has affected almost every person in the nation. No one can avoid the reminders of the great celebration that is sweeping the country and catching everyone by surprise in a patriotic fever. From the Bicentennial moments televised every five minutes during the Olympic games and soap operas, to the deluge of Bicentennial mer- chandise flooding the market (Bicentennial toothbrushes, baby bottles, neckties, under- wear, etc) the phrase has permeated every aspect of the American way of life. We at Barnard are right up there keeping the spirit, being conveniently located on an actual his- toric site. The Battle of Morningside Heights was fought on 120th Street and Broadway, and lest we dare forget, a plaque on the Mathematics building commemorates the event (pictured left). On September 15, 1776, the Continental Army fled west in great disorder from the su- perior British forces at Kips Bay. At what is now Fifth Avenue and Forty-Second Street, Washington tried unsuccessfully to rally his troops, and in disgusted rage, flung his hat at the retreating men. The following day Washington, hoping to restore their spirits, planned to lead his troops against a detach- ment of British and Hessian soldiers moving toward the American encampment at the presentday site of 130th Street and Manhat- tan Avenue. In a field of buckwheat, now the corner of 120th Street and Broadway, the ar- mies battled for an hour and a half. The British and Hessian troops were forced to re- treat south to 105th Street where they ex- pected reinforcements. Unwilling to confront even greater numbers, Washington ordered a retreat to Harlem Heights. The American sol- diers left the field unassaulted. The British troops, outnumbering the American by two thousand men, were routed and for the first time in the Battle for Manhattan, the Conti- nental Army marched off a battlefield with pride. The Americans had a reason to be proud, for they held back Howe ' s advance northward for four weeks. This victory boosted the American morale, restoring their honor and courage. The Battle of Harlem Heights was the only one in the New York campaign in which the Continental Army tasted victory.