Historical eventSeptember 111776

Staten Island Peace Conference

British and American leaders held a peace conference on Staten Island, New York, in the hopes of bringing an end to the nascent American Revolutionary War.

250th anniversary in 2026

Everything on September 11Original source

In context

When
Wednesday, September 11 1776250 years ago
Category
Historical eventA dated happening — a battle, treaty, launch, discovery, disaster or decision — recorded on this calendar day.
Era
18th century · 1770s
Anniversary
250th in 2026
Recorded from
Wikipedia “On this day” feed

Russia, Greece and some other countries used the Julian calendar into the early 20th century, so local records may show a date up to 13 days earlier.

At a glance

Dates: From 1776.

What came beforeAI-assisted

The American Revolutionary War began in April 1775 with fighting at Lexington and Concord. By September 1776, the British had defeated the Continental Army at the Battle of Long Island and occupied New York City.

Both sides had expressed interest in negotiating. The British government authorized General William Howe to discuss peace terms with American representatives.

Catalyst / how it startedAI-assisted

British General William Howe proposed a meeting to explore peace negotiations after his military victories in New York. American leaders, including Benjamin Franklin, agreed to send representatives to discuss ending the conflict.

Who was involvedAI-assisted

American delegates included Benjamin Franklin, John Adams, and Edward Rutledge. British representatives were led by General William Howe and his brother Admiral Richard Howe, who held the title of Peace Commissioner.

The conference took place on Staten Island, at the home of British officer Colonel Christopher Billop.

TimelineAI-assisted

September 11, 1776: The peace conference convened on Staten Island. The talks lasted several hours but produced no agreement, as the British insisted on American submission and the Americans demanded recognition of independence.

What happened

British and American leaders held a peace conference on Staten Island, New York, in the hopes of bringing an end to the nascent American Revolutionary War.

September 11 through the years

Other entries on the same calendar day, in order.

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Also in 1776

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  • September 16American Revolutionary WarAmerican Revolutionary War: American colonists defeated British troops at the Battle of Harlem Heights on the island of Manhattan.
  • May 4American RevolutionAmerican Revolution: The Colony of Rhode Island and Providence Plantations became the first of the Thirteen Colonies to renounce its alle…
  • November 16American Revolutionary WarAmerican Revolutionary War: Fort Washington on Manhattan was captured from the Patriots by British and Hessian units.
  • July 8United States Declaration of IndependenceThe United States Declaration of Independence received its first formal public reading, in Philadelphia.
  • June 8American Revolutionary WarAmerican Revolutionary War: British forces defeated the Continental Army at the Battle of Trois-Rivières, the last battle of the American…
  • December 26American Revolutionary WarAmerican Revolutionary War: George Washington led a Continental Army column across the Delaware River to launch a surprise attack against…
  • August 27William Howe, 5th Viscount HoweBritish forces led by William Howe defeated the Continental Army under George Washington at the Battle of Long Island, the largest battle…

Everything we record for 1776 →

Sources

Cite this page

“Staten Island Peace Conference”, What's On This Date, https://whatsonthisdate.com/app/event/staten-island-peace-conference-1776-september-11, accessed October 27, 2026.

Cite the underlying source as well — the source links above go to the record this entry is adapted from.

Questions about this entry

When did Staten Island Peace Conference happen?

September 11 1776 — 250 years ago, on a Wednesday.

Where does this text come from?

Wikipedia “On this day” feed. Summaries are short adaptations that link back to the source, not reprints. Panels marked AI-assisted were filled where the sources left a heading empty.

How do I cite this page?

Use the ready-made citation near the sources at the bottom of the page, and follow the source link to cite the underlying record as well.

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