Pines Bridge Monument
In these difficult days for our country and the world, anything that helps sharpen our sense of local and national purpose deserves the widest possible support.
Lincoln Diamant, Westchester Historian
The words above reverberate stronger today than when first spoken by noted Westchester historian Lincoln Diamant. Clearly, contemporary events and issues prompt us to remember the epic struggle that make Americans who and what we are. Dedicated to educating and commemorating the rich Revolutionary War History found here in Yorktown Heights, the Pines Bridge Monument Committee was formed to create a monument to America’s first veterans whose brave actions created our new republic. Fought within Yorktown’s borders, the “Battle of Pines Bridge” was one of the bloodiest small unit actions in the first military undertaking of this great nation, the War for Independence. People know little of this memorable event, nor the role of the African American, Native American and Colonial Soldiers who fought the battle on May 14, 1781. Certainly these men “who gave their all!” deserve such a monument that will “sharpen our sense of local and national purpose.”
The monument, in the form of a heroic sculpture by nationally noted sculptor Jay Warren of Oregon, pays tribute to the members of the Rhode Island Regiment who died defending the Pines Bridge crossing of the Croton River. It depicts Colonel Christopher Greene, the legendary commander of the regiment. Two soldiers fight beside him, an African American and a Native American, all doomed to perish in the brief and desperate battle.
The history of the Rhode Island Regiment embodies the racial and ethnic melting pot that represents America’s greatest strength and her greatest trials. The mixed fighting unit, made up of men of European, African, and Native American descent, was not common until the American military officially integrated nearly two centuries later.
This grand sculpture illuminates the exceptional diversity of our nation; conveys the nobility and tragedy of these soldiers of the American Revolution and represents and honors ALL American veterans of every race and ethnicity who followed them.
If you would like more information, please call John Tegeder at (914) 962-6565 or email jtegeder@yorktownny.org.
Supporting Documents
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