Fort Slongo

Written By Dino DiPietro

Here's a detailed overview of Fort Slongo (also known as Fort Salonga) on Long Island:

📍 Location & Origin

  • Site: Located near the border of present-day Huntington Township and Smithtown, Suffolk County, Long Island, overlooking Long Island Sound. Coordinates: 40°54′45″ N, 73°18′3″ W

  • Named after George Slongo, a contractor from Philadelphia whom the British hired to construct it around 1778–1779

🛡 British Role

  • Served as an auxiliary fortification to the larger Fort Franklin in Lloyd Harbor.

  • Built to strategically control and defend access via the North Shore routes and Long Island Sound during the Revolutionary War

⚔️ Battle of Fort Slongo (October 3, 1781)

Background

  • British garrison weakened: many officers attended a party, and the commanding Major Valentine was away in New York City

  • American forces of about 100 men (split evenly between Connecticut infantry and dragoons) sailed from Norwalk, CT, in whaleboats

Assault

  • Early morning surprise attack: one group surrounded the fort while dragoons led a direct assault.

  • The gate was inadvertently left open by a British sentry, allowing attackers to enter swiftly

  • Outcome: American victory; fort's buildings, ammunition, and cannons were destroyed to neutralize its usefulness

  • Casualties: Americans suffered just one wounded (Sergeant Elijah Churchill), while British had 4 killed, 2 wounded, and 21 captured

🎖 Historical Significance

  • Badge of Military Merit: Sgt. Elijah Churchill became the first man to receive George Washington’s Badge of Military Merit (a precursor to the Purple Heart) for his wound during this operation

  • The raid demonstrated effective small-scale commando-style attacks, weakening British control along Long Island’s North Shore

🏛 Legacy Today

  • A historical marker stands along eastbound NY‑25A in Fort Salonga, NY, detailing the October 1781 battle and noting Churchill’s award

  • The site, listed under NYSDHP Unique Site No. A103-08-0036, remains archaeologically significant and included in National Register listings

🔎 In Summary

Fort Slongo played a key role as a British outpost guarding Long Island Sound. Its capture by American forces in October 1781 marked a tactical triumph and yielded enduring historical impact — from pioneering American special operations to the inception of the Purple Heart. Its memory lives on through preserved markers and heritage recognition.

Dino DiPietro