242nd Anniversary of the Battle of White Plains

Bob Gray, November 2018

Photos by Barry and Bob Gray

 

On our third family history trip, my brothers, Brien and Barry, and I were in White Plains, New York on the 242 anniversary of the Battle of White Plains which occurred on October 28, 1776. The Battle of White Plains was a significant event for our country, as well as, for my family because one of my fourth great grandfathers, Elisha Beckwith, was killed during the battle. The White Plains Historical Society commemorated the 242nd anniversary of the battle on October 28, 2018. My brothers and I were at the Jacob Purdy house that day to observe the activities.  The Jacob Purdy house was used by George Washington as his headquarters at some point during the war. The house was moved from its original location several years ago and is now situated in a small park near Chatterton Hill where most of fighting occurred during the battle. The events of the day were captured by my brother Barry and I as presented below. The main activities are as follows:

 

·               The Jacob Purdy House

·               Reenactors

o       Broom Maker

o       Drill Maneuvers

o       Musket Firing

o       Bayonet Charge

o       Marching

o       Flag Raising

o       More Musket Firing

·               Commemorative Speeches

o       White Plains Historical Society President and other speakers

o       Recognition of Elisha Beckwith

 

 

   

 

The site of the commemoration of the Battle of White Plains was the grounds of the Jacob Purdy house, which is maintained by the White Plains Historical Society.

 

  

 

The event included many reenactors such as the broom maker shown above. He gave an interesting and sometimes amusing account of the history of broom making. The picture on the right shows the blacksmith reenactor at work.

 

 

       

    

 

The reenactors performed a series of drill maneuvers.

 

          

 

This musket firing demonstration was performed away from the visitors.  

 

  

 

The picture on the right is of reenactors demonstrating a bayonet charge. Sometimes they would charge one of British solder reenactors such as the ones wearing red coats in the figure on the left.

 

 

   

 

There was marching by the soldiers and another series of drill maneuvers.

 

 

 

The raising of the flag ceremony included a George Washington reenactor.

 

 

 

Video of Reenactors Firing Muskets

 

The flag raising included several rounds of musket fire.

 

 

 

Several members of the historical society made speeches including the president, on the left, and a woman dressed as Abagail Smith Purdy.

 

 

 

Video of White Plains Historical Society President, John Vorperian, Recognizing Elisha Beckwith

The president of the historical society, John Vorperian, recognized the contribution of Elisha Beckwith during his speech. Elisha Beckwith was one of my fourth great grandfathers. He was killed on October 28, 1776 during the Battle of White Plains.

 

 

My brother Barry with a replica of one of the cannons used by the Revolutionary Army during the Battle of White Plains.

 

This map from the park at Chatterton’s Hill shows the layout of the troops for both sides and a chronology of the battle.

 

 

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