Baylor Massacre facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Baylor Massacre
Part of the American Revolutionary War
County Historical Site in 2012
Date September 27, 1778 Location River Vale, New Jersey Result British victory
Belligerents
United States	Great Britain
Commanders and leaders
George Baylor (POW)	Charles Grey John Maitland Turner Straubenzee
Strength
12 officers 104 enlisted	650
Casualties and losses
15 killed 54 wounded or captured	1

The Baylor Massacre was a surprise attack by British soldiers during the American Revolutionary War. It happened on September 27, 1778, in what is now River Vale, New Jersey. British troops attacked American soldiers led by Colonel George Baylor. Many American soldiers were killed, wounded, or captured. This event is also known by names like the "Tappan Massacre" or the "Raid on Old Tappan."

Why the Attack Happened

In September 1778, British General Sir Henry Clinton wanted to draw General Washington into a big battle. He also planned a secret raid on a Patriot base in southern New Jersey. To help with this plan, General Clinton ordered his officers, including Major General Sir Charles Grey, to move their troops.

The British learned that Colonel George Baylor and his American cavalry unit, the 3rd Regiment of Continental Light Dragoons, were staying in barns. These barns were on a road called Over Kill Road, which is now Rivervale Road. Colonel Baylor had 12 officers and 104 enlisted men with him. General Lord Cornwallis then told General Grey to go after Baylor's troops.

The Surprise Attack

The attack began late at night on September 27, 1778. British Major General Charles Grey led about 650 British soldiers. These soldiers included special light infantry and grenadier units. They moved quietly in the dark.

Between 1 AM and 3 AM, the British troops reached the American soldiers' sleeping quarters. The Americans were spread out in three farmhouses and six barns. The British used bayonets (knives attached to rifles) instead of firing guns. This helped them keep the attack a complete surprise. They went from building to building, catching the Americans off guard.

Aftermath of the Battle

The American forces suffered heavy losses in the surprise attack. Two officers and nine soldiers were killed right away. Four more soldiers later died from their injuries. In total, 69 American soldiers were killed, wounded, or captured.

Colonel Baylor, along with Major Alexander Clough and two other officers, tried to escape by climbing up a chimney. Colonel Baylor was wounded and captured. He later died in 1784 from these injuries. Major Clough was also badly wounded and died. One of the other officers was killed, and several more were captured.

After the attack, some of the wounded American soldiers were taken to the Reformed Church of Tappan in nearby Tappan, New York. This church was used as both a prison and a hospital. Only one British soldier was killed during the attack.

This event was a diversion for another British attack. On October 15, British troops also surprised American forces led by Kazimierz Pułaski. In that attack, known as the Little Egg Harbor massacre, 25 to 30 American men were killed.

Discovery of Remains

Many years later, in 1967, something important was found at the site of the Baylor Massacre. The remains of six American soldiers were discovered in three old tanning vats. These vats were once part of Blauvelt's Tannery. Along with the remains, artifacts like buttons and pieces of clothing were found, helping to identify them.

In 1972, to protect the historical site from new buildings, the area was made into a county park. The remains of the soldiers were then re-buried there with respect.

Images for kids

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  County Historical Site in 2012