On May 7th, class 839 visited Green‑Wood Cemetery to learn about the Battle of Long Island (which is also known as the Battle of Brooklyn), an important event in American history. Green‑Wood is one of the oldest cemeteries in New York City, and the class explored Battle Hill, Brooklyn’s highest point.
At the top of Battle Hill, students saw several famous monuments, including the statue of Minerva, the Roman goddess of wisdom and battle strategy. Minerva appears to be waving toward the Statue of Liberty, a detail many students found fascinating. Jennifer, an eighth grader, said her favorite part of the trip was seeing the Minerva statue up close.
The sunny weather made the visit even better. With clear skies and a great view, students appreciated the site’s importance. Their educator, Shane, guided them along historic paths and explained that famous figures—such as George Washington—once walked the same ground.
There were many memorable moments. Jason, an eighth grader, said he enjoyed seeing the bald eagle on Margaret Corbin’s tomb, while Russletov, also in eighth grade, said his favorite part was the view of Manhattan. Students also learned that the Battle of Long Island took place on August 27, 1776.
Several students recommended visiting Green‑Wood to learn about the people honored by its statues and monuments. Ava, a seventh grader, encouraged others to go “to see the statues and learn more about them.” Alex added that it’s a great place to visit if you want to understand the history of the battle.
Ms. Caputo, Ms. Stephanie, and Ms. Monica agreed, saying the trip was peaceful, educational, and a meaningful way to connect with our nation’s past. They encouraged students and families to visit Green‑Wood in their free time.
Credits: Thank you to class 839 for participating in the interviews.