Gun Hill Meadow is situated in Van Cortland Park, along Gun Hill Road. It is named after a January 25, 1777, revolutionary war battle which took place near this site. Gun Hill Road then known as Kingsbridge road was an important East-West thoroughfare which the patriots and the British fought to control.

During the battle, the Brits were chasing the patriots along the river. During a retreat, some soldiers, led by Captain Bryant of the artillery, dragged a cannon on top of a nearby hill and fired against the Brits, hence the name Gun Hill Meadow. This strategic position which hereafter became known as "Gun Hill" forced the Brits to retreat, allowing the patriots to escape.