Continental Army Northern (New York) Department Commanders
June 25, 1775 - January 15, 1783
Continental Army


- The New York Department was established on June 25, 1775.
- Canada was part of the department before formally being established as a separate department on January 17, 1776.
- When the Middle Department was created on February 27, 1776, the New York Department was folded into it so that it was made up of New York, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Maryland and Delaware.
- When General George Washington moved the Main Army to New York City in April 1776, he assumed command of the Middle Department.
- On April 14, 1776, the Northern Department was established to include only upstate New York.
- The Canadian Department was folded into this department on July 2, 1776, following the withdrawal of Continental forces from Canada in June 1776.
- The department was discontinued following the death of its commander, William Alexander (Lord Stirling) on January 15, 1783.


Philip Schuyler:
June 25, 1775 - March 1777
- The New England faction of Congress prevailed in having his second-in-command Horatio Gates appointed to supplant him.


Horatio Gates:
March 1777 - April 1777
- Following Philip Schuyler's reinstatement as department commander, Gates made his way to Congress.


Philip Schuyler:
April 1777 - August 19, 1777
- A trip to Congress resulted in Schuyler's reinstatement as command in April 1777.
- Congress reacted to the loss of Fort Ticongeroga by again ordering Horatio Gates to supersede him.
- In October 1778, a court-martial acquitted him of charges of negligence.


Horatio Gates:
August 19, 1777 - April 17, 1778


John Stark:
April 17, 1778 - October 19, 1778


Edward Hand:
October 19, 1778 - November 20, 1778


James Clinton:
November 20, 1778 - June 25, 1781


John Stark:
June 25, 1781 - October 15, 1781


William Alexander (Stirling):
October 15, 1781 - November 21, 1781


John Stark:
November 21, 1781 - August 29, 1782


William Alexander (Stirling):
August 29, 1782 - January 15, 1783

Bibliography:
1. http://www.history.army.mil/books/RevWar/ContArmy/CA-AppB.htm
2. Boatner, Mark M.; Encyclopedia of the American Revolution
Picture: The Delaware Regiment at the Battle of Long Island. Painting by Domenick D'Andrea for the National Guard Bureau Heritage Series



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