Merritt Hill, Battle of White Plains

This marker represents the historic actions that took place during the Battle of White Plains in 1776, despite a British victory. On October 28, 1776, a cannonball was fired towards 20 British horsemen approaching. Because of these actions, they retreated. [1]

Those involved were General Heath, Colonel Malcom and Lt. Fenno. All these men were under General George Washington, ordered by Washington to defend Hatfield Hill.

Merritt Hill is part of the Battle of White Plains Monument Committee Heritage Trail.

“Directly across Lake Street from the encounter is the site of the Field Tavern, an important stop for stagecoaches traveling between New York and Connecticut. Today, one can still follow the old stagecoach route from White Plains, through Harrison, Armonk, Bedford Village and eventually to Danbury Connecticut.” [2] Situated outside of a private residence, is another Harrison Landmark marker. “On Old Lake Street in West Harrison, there is a milestone which marked this old stagecoach route. At the base is a bronze marker which reads "Preserved by Benjamin I. Taylor, Supervisor, Town of Harrison, July 4th 1926." Unfortunately the marker is in a state of deterioration and should be covered and enclosed. There are only a few known such markers in the Country.” [3]

[1] “Revolutionary Times.” Accessed June 14, 2024. https://www.harrison-ny.gov/historian/pages/revolutionary-times.

[2] “Revolutionary Times.” Accessed June 14, 2024. https://www.harrison-ny.gov/historian/pages/revolutionary-times.

[3] “Merritt Hill Historical Marker.” The Historical Marker Database, August 7, 2023. https://www.hmdb.org/m.asp?m=25401.