Washington's 1776 New York Campaign: Not a Choice for Virginia

The premise is incorrect. Washington did not choose Virginia over attacking NYC in 1776.

Actual Sequence

1. Spring 1776: Washington moves Continental Army from Boston to NYC—anticipates British target
2. July 1776: British land Staten Island (32,000 troops)
3. Aug 27: Battle of Long Island: Washington defeated; 1,000+ captured; army nearly destroyed
4. Aug 29-30: Miraculous night evacuation to Manhattan
5. Sept 15: British land Kip's Bay; Washington retreats to Harlem Heights
6. Oct 28: White Plains: Inconclusive; Washington withdraws north
7. Nov 16: Fort Washington Falls: 2,800 captured; Manhattan lost
8. Nov-Dec: Retreat across NJ → Pennsylvania (Trenton/Princeton counterattack follows)

Virginia Connection

Washington was a Virginian (Mount Vernon). His army retreated through New Jersey to Pennsylvania, not Virginia. The 1781 Yorktown campaign (Virginia) came 5 years later with French alliance.

Strategic Reality

1776 NYC defense was obligatory—political/military necessity. Loss forced Fabian strategy: avoid decisive battle, preserve army, wear down British will.