The Petticoat Bridge is on the border of Mansfield and Springfield. The marker explaining the story is on the Springfield side of the bridge.
The historic marker reads:
"Petticoat Bridge Skirmish - December 23, 1776.
On orders from General Washington to pull Hessian troops southward from positions of support near Trenton, 600 Americans, stationed at Mount Holly under Colonel Samuel Griffin attacked a Hessian outpost here on December 21. When the 3,000 Hessians quartered in Burlington County retaliated by marching against Petticoat Bridge on December 23 they were met with a barrage of gunfire. Following a sharp skirmish, the Americans withdrew to Mount Holly luring the Hessians still further from Trenton." [1]
This house is a private residence.
Please respect the privacy and property of the owners.
The plaque reads: '"Revolutionary War Hospital - Dec 23, 1776. The brick structure standing near this point is Copany Meeting House, built in 1775. Following a skirmish between American units under Colonel Samuel Griffin and Hessian troops commanded by Colonel Kurt Von Donop at nearby petticoat bridge on December 23, 1776. It was used by Hessians as a hospital in which to treat their wounded." [2]
Sources:
1.^ Historic Plaque placed on the Springfield side of the Petticoat Road Bridge by the Burlington County Board of Chosen Freeholders and the Burlington County Cultural & Heritage Commission.
2.^ Springfield Township Bicentennial Commission sign
