FORT LEE

Originally a Dutch Settlement, Fort Lee became a notable part of American history during the Revolutionary War, specifically during the 1776 British campaign to control New York City and the Hudson River.

The British Navy sought to control the length of the Hudson. The British hoped that by cleaving the colonies in two at the Hudson, a swift end would come to the costly war. To this end, an armada the likes previously unseen in British naval history set sail from England to the tiny Hudson River Valley. A land army of over 31,000 British was assembled and waiting for to meet their naval counterparts on Staten Island. On August 22, the British landed on Long Island, and caused the Continental Army to retreat to New York City.

After engaging the enemy at New York City, Harlem Heights and White Plains, the Continental Army was to face off against the British again at Fort Washington. After this crushing defeat, the Continental Army retreated across the Hudson and manned the fortifications at Fort Lee. The area now known as Monument Park at the Fort Lee Museum is the site of Washington’s encampment.

General Washington saw that with losing Fort Washington, Fort Lee had little strategic value for the British, other than easy capture of his sitting army. Washington again made ready his troops to evacuate. The retreat came none too soon as General Cornwallis and a force of 7,000 men were in the process of crossing the Hudson River just north of Fort Lee. The retreat happened so quickly that most of the American supplies and artillery had to be left behind. Though these were dark, seemingly hopeless times for the American cause, eventually victory would come about, and a new nation would be born. Thomas Paine, who was in Fort Lee with Washington’s army, wrote the famous words, “These are the times that try men’s souls.”

A famous landmark and vital commuter traffic artery that plays prominently in the Fort Lee area is The George Washington Bridge. Crossing the Hudson River between Fort Lee and Upper Manhattan, the bridge is part I-95. Designed by Swiss-American engineer Othmar H. Ammann, then-Chief Engineer for the Port Authority, the original six-lane bridge was first opened to traffic on October 25, 1931. Eventually, increased volume led to the creation of additional lanes in 1946, making the GWB an eight span bridge. The Lower Level was opened in 1962, making the GWB the world’s only 14-lane suspension bridge. In 1981, the GWB was designated a National Historic Civil Engineering Landmark.

The “Hollywood of the Hudson,” Fort Lee was the birthplace of film. The genesis of the industry was Thomas Edison’s “Black Maria,” the first motion picture studio in West Orange, New Jersey. As movie companies sought locations to film outdoor scenes, Fort Lee was a natural fit. With its plentiful countryside, Fort Lee could easily double for the “Wild West.” In fact, the term “cliff-hanger” denoting an overly suspenseful movie, came from the fact that the nearby Palisades were settings for these early suspense serials.

The Fort Lee Recreation Department offers a variety of recreational services to residents of all ages to enhance the area’s quality of life. Park land, recreational facilities and youth sports programs including soccer and football are just some of the offerings available from the Fort Lee Recreation Department.

Open to all youngsters ages 8 through 17 in the Borough of Fort Lee. In order to use the center, children must be registered with the center. There is a yearly registration fee of $1.00 to become a member of the center. This nominal fee allows youngsters to use of gymnasium, pool tables, ping pong table, and various board and table games.

Fort Lee's Museum

Built by Judge Moore in 1922, out of Palisade Blue Stone, this museum opened its doors in April 1999. The Fort Lee Historical Society chronicles the history of Fort Lee, and the museum displays photos, documents, artifacts and films from the area’s past.

The Fort Lee Film Commission

The Commission works to preserve Fort Lee’s unique film heritage, and promotes Fort Lee’s role as birthplace of the American film industry. The Commission hosts the Cliffhanger Film Festivals, an annual series of spring and fall film festivals.