Redcoats & Resistance
Invasion of New York 1776
Class of 49er Lodge, West Point, NY
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Join us for Redcoats & Resistance, a special military-focused conference diving deep into the tactics, strategies, and turning points of the British invasion of New York, 1776. This illuminating weekend will explore how both sides maneuvered through one of the most pivotal campaigns of the American Revolution—from the landing at Staten Island to the battles of Brooklyn, Harlem Heights, White Plains, and beyond. As we look ahead to the 250th anniversary of American Independence, this event is a must-attend for anyone interested in the military history that shaped the fight for freedom. Whether you're a reenactor, historian, or enthusiast, it's time to sharpen your knowledge, gear up, and prepare for what’s ahead.
Located at the historic Class of 49er Lodge at West Point, N.Y., the whole weekend will feature 8 AMAZING speakers on a variety of specific thematic topics in regards to the New York Invasion. A light breakfast and lunch on both Saturday and Sunday will be provided compliments of the Brigade of the American Revolution and thanks to the Roy Najecki Sponsorship! A buffet dinner will be served at 6:00 PM on Saturday and will have a cash bar available for libations!
Hotel Accommodations have been arranged at Holiday Inn Express & Suites West Point-Fort Montgomery by IHG located at 1106 Rte 9W, Fort Montgomery, NY 10922 which is 9 minutes away from the Class of 49’ Lodge.
You will be required to pick up your West Point Security Pass on Friday Night or Saturday morning at Holiday Inn Express & Suites West Point-Fort Montgomery hotel.
As this conference is being held on West Point, which is an active US Military Base, all participants will be required to share their full name, address, DOB, State issued ID number and/or passport number. This information will be shared with the Security Team at West Point who will perform a security check to clear everyone to enter the base.
You must register as soon as tickets become available on July 4th, 2025!
Presenters
This presentation list may be subject to change -
Dr. James M. Johnson -
Dr. James M. Johnson brings a distinguished career in military history and education to his role as Executive Director of the Hudson River Valley Institute (HRVI) at Marist College, where he also serves as the Dr. Frank T. Bumpus Chair in Hudson River Valley History. With decades of teaching experience at the United States Military Academy, the Naval War College, and Marist, Dr. Johnson is a leading voice in the study and preservation of the Hudson River Valley’s historical legacy.
In this presentation, Dr. Johnson will explore the Hudson River Valley’s vital role during the American Revolution, particularly as a strategic corridor and cultural crossroads. Drawing on his deep military background and scholarly research, he will examine sites such as Fortress West Point and the region’s broader contributions to the war effort. His insights will connect past to present, highlighting the importance of regional heritage and education in cultivating engaged citizenship and leadership today.
Patrick O’Donnell -
Washington's Immortals: The Untold Story of an Elite Regiment Who Changed the Course of the Revolution
Patrick K. O'Donnell is a renowned military historian, bestselling author, and public speaker, recognized for his expertise on elite and special operations units and irregular warfare. He has authored 13 critically acclaimed books that recount the epic stories of America's wars from the Revolution to Iraq. His works are described as “nonfiction that reads like fiction,” and he has received numerous awards, including the prestigious William E. Colby Award and the OSS Society’s John Waller Award.
In his book Washington's Immortals: The Untold Story of an Elite Regiment Who Changed the Course of the Revolution, O'Donnell brings to life the forgotten story of the 1st Maryland Regiment, a group of elite soldiers whose extraordinary sacrifices and valiant fighting helped make the difference between defeat and victory during the American Revolutionary War. Known as the "Immortal 400," these men fought not only in Brooklyn but also in key battles throughout the war, including Trenton, Stony Point, Camden, Cowpens, Guilford Courthouse, and Yorktown. Drawing on extensive unpublished original sources, including letters, diaries, and pension applications, O'Donnell weaves together the stories of these dauntless men—their friendships, loves, defeats, and triumphs. Through the prism of this regiment, which included rich merchants, tradesmen, and free blacks, he tells the larger story of the Revolutionary War.
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Benjamin L. Carp. -
The Great New York Fire of 1776: A Lost Story of the American Revolution
Benjamin L. Carp is the Daniel M. Lyons Professor of American History at Brooklyn College and the CUNY Graduate Center, specializing in the American Revolution. His book, The Great New York Fire of 1776: A Lost Story of the American Revolution, investigates the mysterious fire that devastated a significant portion of New York City shortly after British forces occupied it in 1776.
In this presentation, Carp will delve into the origins and consequences of the Great Fire, exploring the chaos and unresolved tragedies that defined this event. He will examine the various theories surrounding the fire's cause, including the possibility of deliberate action by revolutionaries, and discuss how the incident influenced the British occupation and the city's residents. Drawing from extensive research, Carp offers a vivid picture of this pivotal yet often overlooked episode in Revolutionary history, challenging traditional narratives and shedding light on the complexities of urban warfare during the struggle for independence.
Vivian Davis -
The Battle of Golden Hill, New York, 1770
The Battle of Golden Hill was one of the more obscure conflicts during the Revolutionary Period, despite the participation of several key figures who played prominent roles in the New York efforts in the war. This skirmish in the center of New York City in January 1770 was born out of the frustration of not only the Sons of Liberty in New York, including leaders Alexander MacDougall, John Lamb, and Isaac Sears, but of a larger group of citizens who were demoralized and weary of years of military overreach.
The men who formed the inhabitant side of the battle was one of the first successful concerted efforts of the colonial population against the British military system. Coupled with the written and physical reaction of the soldiers of the 16 th Regiment of foot, the Battle of Golden Hill is an early demonstration of the fundamental reasons as to why war erupted in the colonies. This maneuver paved the way for more historically well-known events of the period including the Boston Massacre and ultimately the American Revolution. In the end, the ability to mobilize a group of citizens before popular sentiment against Britain truly materialized proves that dissension was strong enough for action to be taken.
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New York's Refugees and Political Authority in Revolutionary America
Matthew P. Dziennik is a historian specializing in the social and political dynamics of the American Revolution, particularly the experiences of displaced populations. His work, New York’s Refugees and Political Authority in Revolutionary America, examines how the war uprooted thousands of people and reshaped political power in the region.
Dziennik will explore the plight of New York’s refugees—Loyalists, displaced Patriots, and neutral civilians—who found themselves caught between shifting allegiances and the chaos of war. He will discuss how displacement affected political authority, governance, and the struggle for control in contested territories. By analyzing the experiences of those forced to flee their homes, he will shed light on the broader implications of the war beyond the battlefield, revealing how migration, loyalty, and survival shaped Revolutionary America.
Richard Melnick -
Long Island City in 1776: The Revolution Comes to Queens
His recent book, Long Island City in 1776: The Revolution Comes to Queens, explores the strategic importance of western Queens during the Revolutionary War.
In this presentation, Melnick will delve into how the area now known as Long Island City played a pivotal role in the British campaign to capture New York City in 1776. He will discuss the military maneuvers, local engagements, and the impact of British occupation on the local population. By examining this often-overlooked region, Harris offers fresh insights into the complexities of urban warfare and the local experiences during the revolution. Richard Melnick, an Astoria resident since 1995, graduated St. John’s University in 1984 with a B.A. in Political Science, and served in the U.S. Army from 1984-1992 in West Germany and seven U.S. states. Mr. Melnick has also served as a board of Trustees for the Greater Astoria Historical Society from 2003 until 2018, and contributed to six books published by the society. A licensed NYC sightseeing guide, Long Island City in 1776 is his first solo book project.
The Debra Najecki Endowment
The Debra Najecki Endowment was established by her husband in loving memory of Debra Najecki, who was a dedicated member of the Brigade of the American Revolution from 1987 until her passing in 2017. Debra was deeply passionate about the Brigade and its mission, and she championed the role of women in the organization. An avid lover of horses and a fierce advocate for historical preservation, Debra's spirit of determination and passion for the American Revolution continues through this endowment. The funds will be used to honor her legacy and further her work in promoting the ideals she held so dear.