Where is Manhattan’s highest natural point?

Sure, at 265 feet above sea level, it’s not exactly very high.

But when earthquake–triggered waves crash over Manhattan and you have no idea where to go, head to Bennett Park.

It’s a sweet little park—the borough’s highest ground—in Washington Heights on Fort Washington Avenue and 183rd Street.

The nearby area played a crucial role in American history.

Called Long Hill by early Dutch settlers, it became George Washington’s operations base during the Revolutionary War, thanks to its vantage point. 

Fort Washington was the site of a major defeat by British and Hessian troops. But hey, our side won the war.

An impressive monument on the Fort Washington side of the park commemorating the Battle of Fort Washington was put up in 1901.

Tags: Bennett Park, Fort Washington, Fort Washington Avenue, George Washington, James Gordon Bennett, Manhattan's highest natural point, New York City in the Revolutionary War, the Dutch in New York City, upper Manhattan history, Washington Heights history