NYC Celebrates 240th Anniversary Of Revolutionary War's 'Battle Of Brooklyn'

NEW YORK (CBSNewYork/AP) -- Events are being held this week to commemorate the 240th anniversary of the Revolutionary War's Battle of Brooklyn.

More: Historic Sites In NYC | Historic Walking Tours | NYC Military Sites

Also known as the Battle of Long Island, this historic event pitted Gen. George Washington's Continental Army against a larger British-led force on Aug. 27, 1776 . The redcoats defeated the Americans, but Washington and his army escaped to Manhattan to continue the fight for independence.

Historic Fraunces Tavern in Lower Manhattan is hosting a talk Thursday evening by Patrick K. O'Donnell, author of "Washington's Immortals,'' which tells the story of the Maryland regiment's heroism and sacrifice at Brooklyn.

At the Old Stone House in Park Slope, where much of the fighting took place, a new permanent "Old Stone House: Witness to War" exhibit on the battle opens Friday. According to the museum's website, the exhibit provides a closer look at the Battle of Brooklyn, as well as the lives of area families during the Revolutionary War.

More: Best Things To Do In NYC This Weekend | Under-The-Radar Museums

The Sons of the Revolution will also host a parade at the Green-Wood Cemetery on Aug. 28 -- on the site where the battle originally took place.

(TM and © Copyright 2016 CBS Radio Inc. and its relevant subsidiaries. CBS RADIO and EYE Logo TM and Copyright 2016 CBS Broadcasting Inc. Used under license. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. The Associated Press contributed to this report.)