Prison Ship Martyr’s Memorial

During the Revolutionary War for American Independence (1776-1782), maritime prisoners were held in dismantled warships, many of which were anchored just north of the captured Fort Greene. Promises of pardon were made to the prisoners if they would pledge loyalty to King George III. When prisoners refused, the British officers responded, “Let them rot.“ During the six years the prison ships were in use, 11,500 prisoners died of disease and starvation. Their bodies were buried in shallow graves along the swampy shoreline. When bones began to wash ashore, they were collected by concerned citizens and the remains were later to a tomb inside the park. In 1908, thanks to the efforts of The Society of Old Brooklynites, the Daughters of the American Revolution and others, a lasting memorial was constructed to those Prison Ship Martyrs. These Martyrs are remembered each year by the Society of Old Brooklynites. This year was the 101st Anniversary. The day’s ceremony included a piper, speakers, and the laying of a memorial wreath. Fort Greene Park is located in the Brooklyn communities of Fort Greene, Clinton Hill, and Wallabout between DeKalb and Myrtle Avenues.