Continental Army Hudson Highlands Department Commanders
November 12, 1776 - end of war
Continental Army


- The department was formed after the British Occupied New York City. Small region of New York including and surrounding West Point of great strategic importance because it controlled the upper Hudson River.


William Heath:
November 12, 1776 - December 21, 1776
- General George Washington ordered Heath to garrison in the Highlands in order to preserve lines of communication.


Alexander McDougall:
December 21, 1776 - May 12, 1777


Israel Putnam:
May 12, 1777 - March 16, 1778
- Forts Montgomery and Clinton were lost in October 1777 during his command. General George Washington lost confidence in him and he was eventually reassigned to recruiting service in New England.
- In April 1778, a court of inquiry acquitted him of "any fault, misconduct or negligence" in the loss of the forts.


Alexander McDougall:
March 16, 1778 - May 20, 1778


Horatio Gates:
May 20, 1778 - November 24, 1778


Alexander McDougall:
November 24, 1778 - November 27, 1779


William Heath:
November 27, 1779 - February 21, 1780


Robert Howe (acting):
February 21, 1780 - June 21, 1780


Alexander McDougall:
June 21, 1780 - August 3, 1780


Benedict Arnold:
August 3, 1780 - September 25, 1780
- It was while in the position as commander of this department that he committed treason.


George Washington:
September 25, 1780 - September 28, 1780
- He briefly took command of the department in the wake of Arnold's betrayal.


Alexander McDougall:
September 28, 1780 - October 5, 1780


Nathanael Greene:
October 5, 1780 - October 17, 1780
- Greene had requested this command, which George Washington
granted to him.
- On October 14, 1780, Washington chose him to replace Horatio Gates as commander of the Southern Department.


William Heath:
October 17, 1780 - May 11, 1781


John Paterson (acting):
May 11, 1781 - June 24, 1781


Alexander McDougall:
June 24, 1781 - January 18, 1782


William Heath:
January 18, 1782 - August 24, 1782


Henry Knox:
August 24, 1782 - end of war

Bibliography:
1. http://www.history.army.mil/books/RevWar/ContArmy/CA-AppB.htm
2. Boatner, Mark M.; Encyclopedia of the American Revolution
Picture: The Delaware Regiment at the Battle of Long Island. Painting by Domenick D'Andrea for the National Guard Bureau Heritage Series



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