New Jersey is known as the “Cockpit of the American Revolution” for a reason – because it was. More battles, more encampments, more strategies took place in New Jersey than in any other colony of the original thirteen. Bookmark the page and come back over time. If you have a topic that you’d like us to dig into, please let us know.
Video Series
Hand-picked YouTube Videos supporting the history of the Revolutionary War Research Series.
MLH NJ Revolutionary War Posts
- “Janice Meredith” – 1924 Silent Film Showcases American Revolution
Views: 155 Back in 1924, silent films were all the rage. Bernardsville was just becoming a borough and separating from Bernards Township, but there was still only one movie theater, The Liberty Theater. How fortunate was the theater to feature the film “Janice Meredith”, a film about the American Revolution featuring the famous General Charles… Read More »“Janice Meredith” – 1924 Silent Film Showcases American Revolution - Map Research & Archives: Sharing Local History with Maps
Views: 10,273 Researching Local History with Maps As a historian, I believe maps are one of the greatest sources of information, capturing a time and place. We use these maps to research history and find buildings, families, farms, or streets. We often compare those historic maps to current maps. Then, we go on a journey… Read More »Map Research & Archives: Sharing Local History with Maps - New Jersey Rev War Series Mr. Local History Project
Views: 9,787 New Jersey is known as the “Cockpit of the American Revolution” for a reason – because it was. More battles, more encampments, more strategies took place in New Jersey than in any other colony of the original thirteen. Bookmark the page and come back over time. If you have a topic that you’d… Read More »New Jersey Rev War Series Mr. Local History Project - What is (a) Jockey Hollow?
Views: 5,000 Jockey Hollow is part of America’s first National Historical Park, Morristown National Historical Park which marks their 90th Anniversary in 2023. We also know there is a Jockey Hollow Bar and Kitchen, a four-part restaurant housed inside Morristown’s historic Vail Mansion owned by New York restaurateur Chris Cannon. But for this piece, we’re going… Read More »What is (a) Jockey Hollow? - Liberty Corner & Bullion’s Tavern
Views: 3,054 Every great historical story starts with something like, “So we were at this tavern and……” This is one of those stories. America was in the final stages of the Revolutionary war. After an agreement with the French was finalized General Rochembeau joined the Continental army on what many say is the march that… Read More »Liberty Corner & Bullion’s Tavern - Stirling Manor- 13 Colonies’ Most Prestigious Manor Was Right In Basking Ridge, New Jersey
Views: 1,458 Is William Alexander, aka The Earl & Lord of Stirling, Basking Ridge’s Most Famous Resident? Our researchers think so. Let’s see if we can answer that question. William Alexander (1726 – Jan 15, 1783) was the son of Secretary & lawyer James Alexander. His mother, Mary Spratt Provoost, was the widow of David… Read More »Stirling Manor- 13 Colonies’ Most Prestigious Manor Was Right In Basking Ridge, New Jersey - The Ross Farm Still Defends Liberty and Independence 250 years Later
Views: 2,566 Lewis – Boudinot – Southard- Ross Farm in the Basking Ridge section of Bernards Twp., New Jersey. The Ross Farm in Basking Ridge, New Jersey, has a rich history of the Revolutionary War and played a notable role in the cause of American independence. Known historically as a Revolutionary War historic property, the… Read More »The Ross Farm Still Defends Liberty and Independence 250 years Later - General Henry Knox – America’s Forgotten General
Views: 47,093 Father of the American Army ArtilleryFather of the American NavyFather of the Military Draft Fate has it often that those who put themselves in constant danger and face death every day are often spared until some freak accident takes them away from us. General Henry Knox, one of America’s most noteworthy and often overlooked… Read More »General Henry Knox – America’s Forgotten General - The Stolen Lillie Drawing of Pluckemin Artillery Park
Views: 328 The wind that swept across the Somerset Hills in the bitter winter of 1779 carried more than snow and smoke. It carried the sound of hammers striking timber, the commands of officers echoing across the ridges, and the heavy clatter of artillery wheels rolling over frozen earth. On the high ground above Pluckemin,… Read More »The Stolen Lillie Drawing of Pluckemin Artillery Park - Plenty of Local Ties to Jersey in the Ken Burns Rev War Series
Views: 160 These are a series of posts that provide local insight into Ken Burns’ American Revolution series and its ties to local history, which the Mr. Local History Project has been covering. Here are all six episodes of Ken Burns’ The American Revolution and we’ve added in where we’ve covered some local aspects to… Read More »Plenty of Local Ties to Jersey in the Ken Burns Rev War Series - That Widow White – Mary Jarvis Whitaker Brown White
Views: 795 This is a story about a widow, a General, and a War for Independence. For over a decade, I’ve been researching the story behind the 1776 capture of one of General Washington’s head generals, but I never really focused on the person who owned the tavern where he was captured. Time to find… Read More »That Widow White – Mary Jarvis Whitaker Brown White - Royal Governor Francis Bernard and the Stamp Act
Views: 168 These are a series of posts that provide local insight into Ken Burns’ American Revolution series and ties to local history that the Mr. Local History Project has been covering. Episode 1, titled “How Land, Taxes and Rebellion Sparked the American Revolution,” explores how British attempts to raise revenue after the French and… Read More »Royal Governor Francis Bernard and the Stamp Act - Middlesex County Volunteer Fifes and Drums Corp Marches thru Morristown and Somerville
Views: 486 It’s been on our radar to prepare a post and video since one of the nation’s top fife and drum units made their march into New Jersey during a warm spell in July 2023. First in Morristown at the Ford Mansion, and then a stop the next day in Somerville, the capital of… Read More »Middlesex County Volunteer Fifes and Drums Corp Marches thru Morristown and Somerville - Share Bedminster Cantonment History With A Pocket Park – America 250 Ideas
Views: 648 With America’s 250th anniversary just around the corner, there’s no better time to recognize great American history about what we’ve coined “The Greatest Story Never Told” about the American Revolution – The Academy that came 24 years before the Military Academy at West Point. And we know how important the West Point Academy… Read More »Share Bedminster Cantonment History With A Pocket Park – America 250 Ideas - Historic Moment at the Pluckemin Cantonment – Archeologist Finds His Mark
Views: 1,649 It was a cold, winterish April afternoon at the Jacobus Vanderveer House in Bedminster, New Jersey, as a very special guest came to tell his story about what has become a signature event in the history of the Revolutionary War and the Continental Army’s struggles during that period. We introduce you to John… Read More »Historic Moment at the Pluckemin Cantonment – Archeologist Finds His Mark - Basking Ridge’s Stirling Manor & Perth Amboy’s Proprietary House : Digging Around
Views: 8,802 The Mr. Local History Project is researching the thesis that another house, known as Stirling Manor in Basking Ridge, was built with similar architecture to the Proprietary House by England’s John Edward Pryor. Let us know what you think after we present our case. UPDATE:Dr. Richard Veit of Monmouth University is currently conducting… Read More »Basking Ridge’s Stirling Manor & Perth Amboy’s Proprietary House : Digging Around - Richard Stockton – Constitution Signer and a Basking Ridge Brother In Law
Views: 1,681 Suppose you have the chance to visit Basking Ridge, New Jersey’s Ross Farm for an outdoor concert or to help out in the giving garden, remember this story about the historic Boudinot (Boo-DE-Know) family estate on the hill and their ties to another New Jersey patriot, Richard Stockton, signer of the Declaration of… Read More »Richard Stockton – Constitution Signer and a Basking Ridge Brother In Law - Independence Day – Kudos to New Jersey Signers #jersey5
Views: 16,257 The Continental Congress adopted the Declaration of Independence on July 4, 1776. It was engrossed on parchment, and on August 2, 1776, delegates began signing it. Jefferson drafted the statement between June 11 and 28, submitted drafts to Adams and Franklin, who made some changes, and then presented the draft to Congress following… Read More »Independence Day – Kudos to New Jersey Signers #jersey5 - New Jersey Rev War Video Collection
Views: 1,839 Knowing that people are very busy, we’ve gathered a playlist of short videos that take your through some of the most prominent events of the Revolutionary War in New Jersey. Watch the ones you can, or bookmark the page and come back over time. If you find a video you like that’s not… Read More »New Jersey Rev War Video Collection - The Knox Trophy – West Point’s Oldest Military Award
Views: 8,516 The Knox Trophy is an award that was established on October 8, 1910, and given annually by the Sons of the Revolution in the State of New York to the United States Military Academy cadet with the highest rating for military efficiency. Named in honor of the Revolutionary War General Henry Knox, the first… Read More »The Knox Trophy – West Point’s Oldest Military Award - Widow White’s Tavern in Basking Ridge was more than a Grog Stop
Views: 26,731 Basking Ridge, New Jersey’s Most Famous Incident Yes, this historic event made the series, so look for it. The episode covering that timeframe is Episode 3: “The Times That Try Men’s Souls (July 1776 – January 1777)” about 1 hour 30 minutes in. At about noon on December 13, 1776, General Charles Lee… Read More »Widow White’s Tavern in Basking Ridge was more than a Grog Stop - New Jersey’s Gift to America 250 – A July 4 Celebration You Must See
Views: 3,149 RAIN or SHINE – EVERY July 4th at 10:30 am – Join friends and family on Independence Day as the Washington Camp Ground Association honors the American flag, the playing of the Star Spangled Banner, and the reading of the Declaration of Independence. It’s a pure American celebration. We call it “Jersey’s Gift… Read More »New Jersey’s Gift to America 250 – A July 4 Celebration You Must See - The Boylans American Journey to Build Liberty Corner, Pluckemin and Bernardsville
Views: 3,005 Research Update:Are the Boylans and the Bullions the same family in Liberty Corner? Before Liberty Corner was Liberty Corner, it was Annins Corner AND we also found it named Boylans Corner (Bullions Corner). And what about that Bernardsville house targeted for a tear-down? They say it was John Boylan’s house… but are they… Read More »The Boylans American Journey to Build Liberty Corner, Pluckemin and Bernardsville - Art and History – Looking for Artists To Interpret History to Celebrate NJ250
Views: 13,653 UPDATE: We are looking for art programs, non-profits, and elder program coordinators to consider programs where an entire art class works to create their own collection with ties to our collective local history. MLHP Education Coordinator The Mr. Local History Project is looking for any artists to interpret our local history boards to… Read More »Art and History – Looking for Artists To Interpret History to Celebrate NJ250 - Take 2 Minutes and 18 Seconds to Celebrate America
Views: 716 It takes around two minutes and eighteen seconds to sing God Bless America. Mr. Local History took a trip to the “Field of Honor,” an annual tradition at the Jacobus Vanderveer House in Bedminster, New Jersey. Sit back, relax, and hit the play button. God Bless America! The Continental Congress adopted the Declaration… Read More »Take 2 Minutes and 18 Seconds to Celebrate America - General Washington’s Two Favorite Lookout Points
Views: 5,034 During the Middlebrook Encampment periods during the Revolutionary War, George Washington strategically utilized the Watchung Mountain Range for both his soldiers and his own advantage. The mountains provided a perfect view of the surrounding areas where the British were stationed and moving their troops. Two lookout points on the Watchung Mountain Range stand… Read More »General Washington’s Two Favorite Lookout Points - John Morton – General Washington’s Rebel Banker Stashed in Basking Ridge
Views: 6,441 John Morton was a Colonel in the Continental Army. Still, he gave up his commission in 1761 to become a highly successful merchant, specializing in the trade of flax back home to his native Ulster in Northern Ireland, supporting the country’s linen industry. He became one of the wealthiest men in New York… Read More »John Morton – General Washington’s Rebel Banker Stashed in Basking Ridge - Rev War in Somerset County Means Middlebrook
Views: 6,103 Middlebrook is a know area in the Martinsville section of Bridgewater, Somerset County, New Jersey. We call it “Jersey’s Gift to America.” New Jersey is known as the “cockpit of the American revolution.” More battles were fought in New Jersey than any other colony, totalling over 90 military engagements, including the landmark battles… Read More »Rev War in Somerset County Means Middlebrook - Why EVERYONE Should Fly THIS American Flag & Don’t Ask Betsy Ross
Views: 9,663 Meet Francis Hopkinson – New Jersey signer #Jersey5 signer of the Declaration of Independence, who also designed, presented, and received the Continental Congress’s Approval as America’s First official flag on June 14, 1777, in Philadelphia. The Francis Hopkinson Flag – First Official Flag – Made in New Jersey “Resolved, That the flag of… Read More »Why EVERYONE Should Fly THIS American Flag & Don’t Ask Betsy Ross - English Farm – Liberty Corner’s Historic Gem & Rochembeau’s Rev War Stopover
Views: 8,542 The Washington Rochambeau Revolutionary Route (W3R) Goes Right Through Liberty Corner as the site of the English Farm that hosted 5000+ Soldiers During the Famous 1781 March to Yorktown. This march ended with defeating the British Army and General Cornwallis at the Battle of Yorktown, Virginia, on October 19, 1781. The English Farm… Read More »English Farm – Liberty Corner’s Historic Gem & Rochembeau’s Rev War Stopover - Morristown National Historic Park Marks 90th Anniversary
Views: 4,091 America’s First Historic National ParkMorristown National Historical Park Marks 90th Anniversary Congratulations to the Morristown National Historical Park and your 90th anniversary. The park was the first national historical park in the country, deemed so by law on March 2, 1933, when then-President Herbert Hoover – on his last day in office –… Read More »Morristown National Historic Park Marks 90th Anniversary - Ford Mansion Added to NJ Village Collection
Views: 1,027 The Mayor of New Jersey’s Historic Village has decreed two icons be added to the New Jersey Historic Wooden Village Collection recently in a bold move to expand the only set of New Jersey collectible icons. Produced in conjunction with the Mr. Local History Project in conjunction with the Cat’s Meow Village, a… Read More »Ford Mansion Added to NJ Village Collection - Historic Tavern Pub Tours of New Jersey / PA / New York City
Views: 39,287 Self-guided tours of some of the most historic pubs and taverns in the tri-state area. Who doesn’t like going on an adventure? The Mr. Local History Project has been building a list of historic pubs and taverns in the Jersey/New York City area over the years and have come up with a number… Read More »Historic Tavern Pub Tours of New Jersey / PA / New York City - THE First American Flag and Middlebrook, New Jersey
Views: 15,127 Isn’t it great when you think you know about something only to find out that someone else has shown up with a different answer? Well, I hate to admit it, but I think it’s been done to us again. Did you know the FIRST flying of the official American flag was a small… Read More »THE First American Flag and Middlebrook, New Jersey - T-SHIRT OFFER: Jersey Signers of the Declaration of Independence
Views: 2,923 Order now to show pride in the Jerseyans who signed the Declaration of Independence. Back for The Fourth of July Season Order via our Wear Local History Collection – CLICK HERE Also, Check out our “Wear Local Jersey History” Collection - Lord Stirling- Basking Ridge’s Most Famous Resident
Views: 16,764 Is William Alexander, aka The Earl & Lord of Stirling, Basking Ridge’s Most Famous Resident? Our researchers think so. Let’s see if we can answer that question. William Alexander (1726 – Jan 15, 1783) was the son of Secretary & lawyer James Alexander. His mother, Mary Spratt Provoost, was the widow of David… Read More »Lord Stirling- Basking Ridge’s Most Famous Resident - Lord Stirling’s Rev War Beacon Signal Towers
Views: 15,466 General Washington, the Continental Army, and General Lord Stirling of Basking Ridge drew inspiration from history and created a sophisticated communications network to track the British movement. They were called the “Beacons.” We start off with a classic Hollywood film’s use of beacons that served the same purpose as those used during the… Read More »Lord Stirling’s Rev War Beacon Signal Towers - History Dig: The Army Hospital was in Basking Ridge and NOT Jockey Hollow
Views: 9,766 The 1779-1780 Winter Encampment at Jockey HollowThe Story of the Hospital at Basking Ridge Weather conditions when the army arrived at Morristown in 1779 were just a prelude of what was yet to come, as the elements attacked Washington’s winter camp with terrible severity. As things turned out, the winter of 1779/80 proved… Read More »History Dig: The Army Hospital was in Basking Ridge and NOT Jockey Hollow - Retrospective: President James Monroe Had Ties to Basking Ridge
Views: 7,879 James Monroe was an American statesman, lawyer, diplomat, and “Founding Father” who served as the fifth president of the United States from 1817 to 1825. A member of the Democratic-Republican Party, Monroe was the last president of the Virginia dynasty. However, did you know that Monroe cut his political teeth in Basking Ridge,… Read More »Retrospective: President James Monroe Had Ties to Basking Ridge - Before the West Point Military Academy (USMA) There was Pluckemin
Views: 196,443 America’s First Military Academy, the Pluckemin Academy (Dec.1778) was 24 Years BEFORE West Point (Mar. 16, 1802). One of the greatest untold stories of the American Revolution.The Pluckemin Winter Cantonment, part of the overall Middlebrook Encampment of 1778-1779. One of the lesser-known stories of the American Revolution is the truth about the Pluckemin… Read More »Before the West Point Military Academy (USMA) There was Pluckemin - Bedminster Map Project Reveals Historic Pluckemin Artillery Park
Views: 10,038 Map Identifies Historic Properties, Owners, Building Locations, Local History Including the Often Ignored Pluckemin Artillery Park With over 2,000 hours of painstaking research and countless renderings, the landscaping firm of John Charles Smith & Associates of Far Hills is preparing to release their latest effort, a historic look back at the history of… Read More »Bedminster Map Project Reveals Historic Pluckemin Artillery Park - Glen Beck Founding Fathers Series Needs General Henry Knox
Views: 15,426 Founding Fathers Series turns Glen Beck into a History Teacher. No one knew how popular the Glen Beck Show would become. Commonly referred to as a TV shock jock (sorry Howard), no matter how you feel about the personality, Glen Beck has become a lightening rod. Liberals hate him, conservatives love him. Now… Read More »Glen Beck Founding Fathers Series Needs General Henry Knox - The 13 Paintings at the Pluckemin Academy
Views: 11,485 The anniversary of America’s alliance with France was celebrated on the 18th of February at Pluckemin, at a very elegant entertainment and display of fireworks given by General Knox, and the officers of artillery. It was postponed to this late day on account of His Excellency General Washington’s absence from camp. General Washington… Read More »The 13 Paintings at the Pluckemin Academy - 1779 – Grand Alliance Ball – Pluckemin New Jersey
Views: 17,237 “The entertainment began with a discharge of 13 cannons at 4 o’clock in the afternoon.” The Grand Alliance Ball – Sunday, February 18, 1779 , Pluckemin, New Jersey Sunday, February 18, 1779 , Pluckemin, New Jersey One of the most noted events in Pluckemin was The Grand Alliance Ball of 1779 in Pluckemin.(Sometimes… Read More »1779 – Grand Alliance Ball – Pluckemin New Jersey
