Newtown Battlefield State Park facts for kids
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Newtown Battlefield
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 Location in New York
Location in the United States
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| Location | 451 Oneida Road, Elmira, New York |
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| Area | 2,100 acres (850 ha) |
| Built | 1779 |
| NRHP reference No. | 72000826 |
Quick facts for kids Significant dates |
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| Added to NRHP | 28 November 1972 |
| Designated NHL | 28 November 28, 1972 |
Newtown Battlefield State Park is a very important historical site in New York. It was once known as the Newtown Battlefield Reservation. This park is famous because of the Battle of Newtown, which took place in August 1779. This battle was a big part of the American Revolutionary War.
It was the only major fight during the Sullivan Expedition. This expedition was led by General John Sullivan. The Continental Congress (the government of the American colonies at the time) ordered it. Their goal was to stop the Iroquois people who were helping the British during the war. The Iroquois were defeated in this battle. Today, part of the battlefield is a state park. It covers about 372 acres (1.5 km²). The entire battlefield, which is about 2,100 acres (850 ha), became a National Historic Landmark in 1965.
The Battle of Newtown
The Newtown Battlefield is located along the eastern side of the Chemung River. This is in western New York, southeast of Elmira. The main part of the battlefield is Sullivan Hill. This is a wooded hill about 1,400 feet (427 m) high.
The Iroquois people had set up defenses on Sullivan Hill. They planned to ambush General Sullivan's army there. Sullivan's troops had to pass close to the steep hillside. It was only about 1,000 feet (305 m) from the river.
How the Battle Unfolded
Sullivan's advance forces discovered the Iroquois defenses. General Sullivan then placed his cannons on a rise to the south. From this spot, his artillery could fire on Sullivan Hill and another hill to the east. After firing cannons at the Iroquois position, Sullivan sent troops up Baldwin Creek. This creek runs along the east side of the hill.
These forces eventually formed a battle line. They pushed the Iroquois away from their positions. This led to a clear victory for Sullivan's army.
Newtown Battlefield State Park Today
The state of New York bought about 330 acres (134 ha) of land. This land covered most of Sullivan Hill. It was first managed as a state reservation, and then as a state park.
A tall, narrow monument made of white granite stands on top of Sullivan Hill. It is called the Newtown Battlefield Monument. It was built in 1912 to remember the battle.
In 2010, there was a discussion about closing the park. This was part of a plan to help the state's budget. However, the park was allowed to stay open after changes were made to the state's park system budget.
