The city abandoned by the British in 1776 was Boston.
The British Evacuation of Boston
On March 17, 1776, British forces, consisting of approximately 11,000 redcoats and hundreds of Loyalists, departed from Boston by boat. This significant event, later commemorated as "Evacuation Day," marked a pivotal moment in the American Revolutionary War. The decision to abandon the city was made by the British, fearing a brutal bombardment from the Continental Army, which had strategically fortified Dorchester Heights overlooking Boston.
This evacuation represented a major early victory for the American revolutionaries, boosting morale and solidifying their control over a key colonial city.
Key Details of the Evacuation
For a quick overview of the British abandonment of Boston:
| Aspect | Detail |
|---|---|
| City Abandoned | Boston |
| Date of Departure | March 17, 1776 |
| Reason for Retreat | Fear of impending bombardment by the Continental Army |
| Troops Involved | Approximately 11,000 British redcoats and hundreds of Loyalists |
| Historical Name | Evacuation Day |
For further reading on the Siege of Boston and its conclusion, you can visit George Washington's Mount Vernon.
Historical Significance
The successful siege and subsequent evacuation of Boston demonstrated the strategic capabilities of the nascent Continental Army under the leadership of General George Washington. It forced the British to relocate their primary military operations to New York City, altering the course of the early war.
