One of the most celebrated victories of the American Revolution took place along the Hudson River when Continental Army forces launched a daring nighttime assault on a British stronghold at Stony Point.

In 1779, the British had fortified Stony Point, a strategic position overlooking the Hudson River that many believed was nearly impossible to capture. Once General George Washington determined that the fortification was not the unassailable “Gibraltar” many thought it to be, he quickly began developing a plan to seize it.

On July 6, Washington personally surveyed the British defenses. Just days later, he devised a strategy for a surprise nighttime attack and selected Brigadier General Anthony Wayne to lead the Continental Army’s elite Light Infantry Corps.

To preserve the element of surprise, Wayne’s soldiers were ordered not to load their muskets. Instead, the assault would be carried out using only bayonets and other edged weapons as the troops advanced under the cover of darkness.

Late on July 15 and into the early hours of July 16, 1779, American forces stormed the heavily fortified position and captured the fort in less than an hour. The successful attack stunned British forces and demonstrated the discipline, courage, and effectiveness of the Continental Army.

Although American troops later abandoned Stony Point, the victory provided a significant morale boost for the Patriot cause during a difficult period of the Revolutionary War. Washington never intended to hold the fort permanently, recognizing that it would be difficult to defend against a British counterattack. Instead, the operation achieved its primary objective by proving that American forces could successfully strike a heavily fortified British position.

In many ways, the Battle of Stony Point was less about holding territory and more about demonstrating that the Continental Army could execute a complex and highly disciplined military operation against seasoned British troops. The victory earned Brigadier General Anthony Wayne a gold medal from the Continental Congress and became one of the most celebrated exploits of the Revolutionary War.

Today, the battlefield stands as a reminder of the determination and sacrifice that helped secure American independence and remains one of Rockland County’s most important Revolutionary War landmarks.

Former Rockland County Chief Assistant District Attorney Patrick A. Frawley has been appointed as the new Commissioner of the Rockland County Department of Social Services.

Frawley joins the department following six years of distinguished service as Chief Assistant District Attorney in the Rockland County District Attorney’s Office, where he oversaw a multidisciplinary team of more than 90 assistant district attorneys, criminal investigators, and professional staff across multiple divisions.

“Patrick Frawley has dedicated his career to serving the people of Rockland County, and I am confident that his deep understanding of our community, extensive legal expertise, and proven leadership experience make him exceptionally qualified to lead the Department of Social Services,” said Rockland County Executive Ed Day.

Prior to his tenure with the District Attorney’s Office, Frawley spent six years in private legal practice, where he gained extensive experience in case management, client relations, and complex legal matters.

In addition to his legal career, Frawley is a highly decorated Detective and has served as both a Community Police Officer and School Resource Officer with the Orangetown Police Department. His background in law enforcement and public service has earned him a reputation for leadership, integrity, and commitment to the community.

Frawley has also been recognized for his dedication to public service, receiving numerous honors, including Citizen of the Year from former New York State Assemblyman Michael Lawler and the Distinguished Service Award from the Rockland County Legislature.

As Commissioner of the Department of Social Services, Frawley will oversee programs and services that support Rockland County residents and families, bringing decades of public service experience to one of the county’s most vital agencies.

Congratulations to Commissioner Frawley on this new chapter of service to the residents of Rockland County.