Which battle was the first major engagement after the United States declared independence in 1776?

The Battle of Long Island was the first major engagement after the United States declared independence in 1776.

Fought on August 27, 1776, the battle took place around western Long Island, especially present-day Brooklyn. British and Hessian forces under General William Howe defeated George Washington’s Continental Army and captured New York City and Long Island.

The battle was also known as the Battle of Brooklyn or the Battle of Brooklyn Heights. It was the largest battle of the Revolutionary War by troop deployment, with roughly 20,000 British and Hessian troops facing about 10,000 Americans. Despite the defeat, Washington saved much of his army by evacuating it across the East River on the night of August 29–30.

The American retreat preserved the Continental Army, which continued the war despite losing New York. The battle is sometimes confused with Bunker Hill, which occurred in June 1775, before the Declaration of Independence.