Battle of Barren Hill facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Battle of Barren Hill
Part of the American Revolutionary War
Date May 20, 1778 Location Barren Hill (Present-day Lafayette Hill, Pennsylvania) Result Inconclusive
Belligerents
United States Oneida	Great Britain Hesse-Kassel
Commanders and leaders
Marquis de La Fayette	Sir William Howe Sir Henry Clinton Charles Grey James Grant
Strength
2,200 troops 5 Guns	16,000 troops
Casualties and losses
3 killed	9

The Battle of Barren Hill was a small but clever fight during the American Revolutionary War. It happened on May 20, 1778. A large British army tried to trap a smaller American force. This American group was led by a young French general, the Marquis de Lafayette. Even though the British tried to surround them, Lafayette and his soldiers managed to escape. The British ended up controlling the area, but they did not catch the Americans.

Why Did the Battle Happen?

General George Washington was the leader of the American army. He sent Lafayette to Barren Hill. This area was between the American camp at Valley Forge and the city of Philadelphia. At this time, the British army was staying in Philadelphia.

Lafayette's Mission

Lafayette's job was to watch the British. He needed to see if they were planning to leave Philadelphia soon. He also had to stop British soldiers from going into the countryside. These British groups were looking for food and supplies.

On May 18, Lafayette left Valley Forge. He had about 2,100 soldiers and five cannons. He crossed the Schuylkill River and set up his troops at Barren Hill. This spot was near Matson's Ford. He placed some soldiers and cannons on high ground near a church. Other troops guarded roads nearby.

The British Plan

The British quickly found out where Lafayette's small army was. They decided to attack him. Their plan was to surround the Americans and capture them all.

On May 19, a large British force left Philadelphia. It was led by Major General James Grant. He had 5,000 soldiers and 15 cannons. They marched to cut off Lafayette's escape routes. Other British groups also moved to surround the Americans from different sides. The plan was to trap Lafayette's army against the river. They waited until morning to attack.

The Battle Unfolds

On May 20, 1778, the British began their attack. The American militia soldiers guarding one road ran away. They did not warn Lafayette that the British were coming.

Lafayette's Quick Thinking

However, another American group on Ridge Road learned of the attack. They sent a small team to fight the British. This gave their commander time to send a message to Lafayette. Soon after, another American soldier told Lafayette that more British troops were coming from a different road.

Lafayette realized his army was in danger of being trapped. He knew about a secret, smaller road. This road led to Dickison Ford. It ran through low ground, which would hide his soldiers from the British. The British did not know about this path.

The Escape

Lafayette quickly ordered his men to retreat down this hidden road. He also told a small group of soldiers to stay behind at the church. Their job was to pretend to fight the British. This made the British think the Americans were going to stay and fight. Some Oneida warriors, who were allies of the Americans, also helped with these small fights. This trick gave Lafayette and his main army time to slip away. They escaped with very few soldiers lost.

What Happened Next?

The British failed to capture Lafayette and his army. After this, they continued their plans to leave Philadelphia. They were moving their main army to New York.

General Washington's army followed the British as they moved. On June 28, 1778, the two armies fought again. This was the Battle of Monmouth. It was the last major battle in the northern part of the American colonies.

Images for kids

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  Map of the battle of Barren Hill