REVOLUTIONARY WAR SITES IN BOUND BROOK, NEW JERSEY

Middlebrook Encampment Site
Middlebrook Rd. at the intersection of Cedarcrest Rd.
Map / Directions to the Middlebrook Encampment Site
Map / Directions to all Bound Brook Revolutionary War Sites

"Washington Camp Ground - Dedicated a historic site in 1889 by citizens of the community to memorialize the encampment of Washington's Army in 17777 and from Nov. 1778 to June 1779. The Middlebrook Encampment Site in New Jersey entered the National Register of Historic Places July 1, 1975." [1]

"Middlebrook. Enigma of the British Army. During the 1777 encampment, Washington's heavily entrenched stronghold defied the massed British Army of 18,000 under Howe and prevented the British movement against Philadelphia by land (June 14 to 30) This delay caused Howe to move by sea, with great loss of time. The last defenses of the American Capitol were not overcome until late November 1777. It was too late to assist Burgoyne, who in turn was forced to surrender at Saratoga, October 17 1777. Clinton during the second encampment (1778-79) determined Middlebrook too strong and Washington's troops too numerous (8,000) to be 'rashly attempted' with his force of 22,000 in the New York - Rhode Island area" [1]

"Thirteen Star Flag. By special act of Congress, the Betsy Ross flag is flown here 24 hours each day. This is to commemorate Washington's Army having encamped in this area June 14, 1777, the day Congress adopted the Flag Resolution. The period of encampment extended from June 14 to July 2, permitting sufficient time for an official flag to have been brought from Philadelphia to be flown at Middlebrook." [1]

Frelinghuysen Tavern Site
213 East Main St.
Map / Directions to the Frelinghuysen Tavern site
Map / Directions to all Bound Brook Revolutionary War Sites

"This Tablet marks the site of the Frelinghuysen Tavern
Hendrick Harpending , a shoemaker from Holland, built his home circa 1729, which later became a tavern, owned by his son , Peter.
Soon after the adoption of the Declaration of Independence July 4, 1776, the townspeople assembled on the street in front of this tavern to hear it read by their neighbor, Hendrick Fisher of South Bound Brook, President of the Provincial Congress of New Jersey , Member of the Committee of Safety and an “Enemy of the Crown” excluded from the general amnesty offered the rebellious colonists earlier that year.
' Upon completion of the reading the crowd went wild with joy, carrying Fisher on their shoulders through the village, while the Presbyterian Church bell range loud and long, cannons fired, and rousing toasts were drunk by the lusty patriots gathered there.'
Erected by the Somerset County Historical Society 1960." [2]

The home of Hendrick Fisher is in Franklin Township.