Honorary Governor-General Meets British Reenactors During Historic Anniversary at Orchard Beach
October 18, 2026 | Commonwealth of the Davis Islands
ORCHARD BEACH, BRONX, NEW YORK — On Sunday, October 18, 2026, the Commonwealth of the Davis Islands joined history enthusiasts and Revolutionary War reenactors in commemorating the 250th anniversary of the Battle of Pell’s Point, also known as the Battle of Pelham.
The historic occasion brought the sights and sounds of the American Revolution back to the shores of Pelham Bay, where British forces landed in October 1776 during their campaign to gain control of New York.
For the Commonwealth of the Davis Islands, a British-inspired ceremonial project founded just ten days earlier, the anniversary offered a special opportunity to celebrate the region's maritime heritage, engage with living-history participants, and reflect upon the events that shaped the surrounding coastline.
The Battle of Pell’s Point: October 18, 1776
The Battle of Pell’s Point was fought on October 18, 1776, during the New York campaign of the American Revolutionary War.
Following a series of British victories in New York, General Sir William Howe sought to outmaneuver General George Washington's Continental Army and threaten its line of retreat toward White Plains.
British and Hessian forces, numbering approximately 4,000 men, conducted an amphibious landing at Pell’s Point, near present-day Rodman’s Neck in the Bronx.
Opposing them was a considerably smaller American force of approximately 750 soldiers commanded by Colonel John Glover of Massachusetts.
Glover's brigade, which included the celebrated Marblehead Mariners, employed a disciplined defensive strategy. Using stone walls and the surrounding terrain for cover, American soldiers repeatedly engaged the advancing British troops before withdrawing to successive defensive positions.
Although the British ultimately advanced and the American forces withdrew, Glover's resistance delayed the Crown's troops and helped provide Washington's army with valuable time to continue its withdrawal toward White Plains.
The battle remains an important chapter in the Revolutionary War history of the Bronx and lower Westchester County.
A Historic Reenactment at Orchard Beach
Exactly 250 years later, the shores of Orchard Beach once again witnessed the uniforms, formations, and maritime traditions associated with the Revolutionary War.
The anniversary reenactment, held from 10:00 a.m. until noon, featured participants portraying British Crown forces and American Continental troops.
The program included military demonstrations, historical narration, period uniforms, fife-and-drum performances, and a recreation of the British amphibious landing.
A particularly memorable feature was the appearance of the historic tall ship Lynx, a replica of an early 19th-century American privateer schooner.
The vessel sailed into the waters of Pelham Bay and performed a ceremonial cannon salute to mark the beginning of the commemorative activities.
For those gathered along the shoreline, the sight of a traditional sailing vessel against the backdrop of the Long Island Sound offered a striking reminder of the importance of maritime operations during the Revolutionary era.
An Encounter with His Majesty's Reenacted Forces
Among those attending the anniversary was His Excellency Matthew J., Founder and Honorary Governor-General of the Commonwealth of the Davis Islands.
During the commemorative activities, the Honorary Governor-General had the pleasure of meeting and speaking with historical reenactors portraying soldiers and officers of King George III's British forces.
The occasion provided an opportunity to share the story of the newly established ceremonial Commonwealth, discuss a mutual appreciation for British maritime history, and celebrate the traditions of historical reenactment.
The Honorary Governor-General also proudly displayed the Commonwealth's official Davis Islands Red Ensign, featuring the Union Jack and the Commonwealth's distinctive crowned maritime coat of arms.
Photographs taken during the encounter capture the Red Ensign alongside reenactors dressed in period British military uniforms, marking a memorable moment in the Commonwealth's developing ceremonial history.
The meeting represented an appreciation of historical preservation and the individuals who dedicate their time to bringing the past to life.
The Maritime Heritage of the Davis Islands
The Commonwealth of the Davis Islands was ceremonially founded on October 8, 2026, among the Chimney Sweeps Islands in Long Island Sound.
Its ceremonial capital, Twin Island, is situated within the Pelham Bay Park area, close to the waterways associated with the Revolutionary War campaign of 1776.
Although the Commonwealth has no governmental authority or territorial ownership, its identity draws inspiration from British maritime customs, heraldry, conservation, and the history of the surrounding islands.
The appearance of the Lynx during the anniversary celebrations was especially meaningful to the Commonwealth's maritime interests.
The vessel's traditional rigging, sails, and ceremonial cannon demonstration provided a tangible connection to the seafaring world that has inspired the Commonwealth's own symbols and traditions.
For the Honorary Governor-General, the anniversary was an opportunity not only to observe history but also to meet those who preserve it.
Preserving History for Future Generations
The 250th anniversary of the Battle of Pell’s Point serves as a reminder that the shores of Pelham Bay witnessed events of national significance long before the establishment of modern New York City.
The Commonwealth recognizes the courage, service, and historical experiences of those who participated in the conflict, both British and American.
It also expresses its appreciation to the reenactors, historians, volunteers, and participating organizations whose efforts made the anniversary commemoration possible.
As the Commonwealth continues to develop its ceremonial traditions, the events of October 18, 2026, will remain a memorable early chapter in its history.
From the historic shores of Pelham Bay to the ceremonial islands of the Commonwealth, the past continues to inspire the present.
God Save the King.
MARI · URBE · LIBERTAS
By Sea · By City · By Liberty
About the Commonwealth of the Davis Islands
The Commonwealth of the Davis Islands is an independent, privately organized ceremonial and cultural project inspired by British maritime heritage, historical traditions, and environmental conservation. It is not a sovereign state, does not claim ownership of public lands, and is not affiliated with or recognized by the British Crown, the United Kingdom, or any United States governmental authority.
Official Website: www.davisislandsgov.land
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