Sugarloaf Redoubt

Sugarloaf Mountain is a steep hill that rises about 700 ft above the Hudson River close to the current town of Garrison, NY.  During the revolutionary period this was property owned by Beverley Robinson, a southern gentleman who had married a member of the Philipse family.  The Philipses owned large tracts of land on the east side of the Hudson River.

Robinson was one of very few people living in this very remote spot in the Highlands.  When the revolution started he was forced to choose a side.  Like his in-laws he chose the British and was exiled to York Island (New York City).  His forfeited house was used on multiple occasions as the headquarters for George Washington and other generals.  See this post for more on the Robinson House.

Historical Marker on Route 9D

Drawing of Robinson House from George Clinton Public Papers

Sugarloaf Mountain in back of Robinson Home Site

Sugarloaf was also the location of a redoubt in 1780.  It was appropriately called "Sugarloaf Redoubt" and was the most southern of the three redoubts on the east side of the river opposite West Point.  By 1782 it appears to have been abandoned as the former "Middle Redoubt" was now being called the "South Redoubt."

Possible remains of Sugarloaf Redoubt on summit.

Possible remains of Sugarloaf Redoubt on summit.

View to the south from Sugarloaf Mountain.  Bear Mountain bridge in the distance.  Forts Clinton and Montgomery were at western terminus of current bridge.

On the morning of September 25, 1780, General Benedict Arnold was eating his breakfast with his aides at the Robinson House.  They were interrupted by an express rider with an urgent dispatch. The news was a shock to Arnold.  His liaison to the British army, John Andre, had been captured with evidence that incriminated Arnold as a traitor.  His plot was quickly unraveling.  Worse, he expected George Washington and his entourage momentarily.    His face flushed as his heart beat faster.  He ran upstairs and kissed his very young bride (and accomplice) good-bye.  He saddled his horse and galloped down the trail to the Hudson River.

Historical Marker on Route 9D

Trail from Robinson's House down to the stream that runs to the River.  Historical Marker on right.

Stream on left was slightly diverted during railroad construction.  Hudson River on upper right.

Hudson River at the former location of Robinson's Landing.