- The Battle of White Plains -
George Washington's Headquarters / Revolutionary War Reenactors
White Plains, New York
This location in White Plains, New York, is just nine miles southeast of Sleepy Hollow. The Jacob Purdy house, a private residence, was used as a temporary headquarters by George Washington on two occasions during the Revolutionary War, perhaps most famously during the Battle of White Plains in October of 1776. Having been defeated in Manhattan, Washington's army moved north to this position, where several hostile encounters occurred as they were pursued by the British.
The building was constructed prior to 1730, and changed hands several times over two centuries. With its history seemingly forgotten, it was scheduled for demolition by the 1960's. Thankfully, the Battle of White Plains Monument Committee saved the house in 1963; ten years later, it was moved to its present location.
The property of the Jacob Prudy House serves as the site of Revolutionary War reenactments every October by members of the White Plains Historical Society. Although I was unaware of their schedule, I had the good fortune to arrive here when the reenactors were preparing for their annual event, which I attended. Below, the reenactors stand at attention as the U.S. flag is being raised in the background; the guy with the sword represents Washington:
Members of the White Plains Historical Society demonstrate 18th Century combat as the American and British sides reenact a skirmish. Below, I managed to capture a burst of flame from the flash-pan of one of their flintlock muskets:
British redcoats during a firing demonstration.
You might be wondering what sort of 18th Century practice these guys are demonstrating. Reading a compass? Examining the quality of their gunpowder? Nope...they're shielding the display of their digital camera from the sun. They take pictures, too.
An entire encampment is set up on the lawn behind the Jacob Purdy House, including tents, campfires, and a cooking area attended by women and children, who also dress in period clothing.
or