This week I have added some pictures to the Somerset County Homes page. The Meadows Foundation, along with the Somerset County Cultural & Heritage Commission have finished the restoration work on the Wycoff Garretson House, and the Van Liew-Suydam House. I have also added a picture of the magnificently restored barn behind the Hageman Farmhouse.
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Fort Lee
Situated on a cliff overlooking the Hudson River, this fort was built to allow Washington to see fleet movements developing in either Upper or Lower New York Bay, and it was close enough to the river to shell passing ships.
www.lincolnbittner.com/fort_lee.html |
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Washington's Crossing - New Jersey
Prior to his route of the British at Princeton, Washington retreated across the Delaware river into Pennsylvania, setting up his famous crossing on Christmas night, 1776. Washington's Crossing (New Jersey) is rich with historical treasures and sites.
www.lincolnbittner.com/washington_crossing_new_jersey.html |
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Battle of Trenton
After General Washington crossed the Delaware on Christmas night, he went on to defeat the Hessian troops at the Battle of Trenton.
www.lincolnbittner.com/battle_of_trenton.html |
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Old Barracks of Trenton
Once Washington's army had defeated the British at Trenton, he set up camp in the area, and occupied the Old Barracks - Trenton. Here he tended to his wounded, and prepared to march out to help General Hugh Mercer in Princeton.
www.lincolnbittner.com/old_barracks_trenton.html |
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Princeton Battlefield
Once Washington's army had defeated the British at Trenton, he set up camp in the area, and occupied the Old Barracks - Trenton. Here he tended to his wounded, and prepared to march out to help General Hugh Mercer in Princeton.
www.lincolnbittner.com/princeton_battlefield.html |
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Battle of Boundbrook
During the American Revolution, the Queens Bridge was used by both the American and British forces. At this spot in what is now known as Boundbrook on January 4, 1777, General Washington made the decision to abandon any intention to attach New Brunswick.
www.lincolnbittner.com/battle_of_boundbrook_2005.html |
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Middlebrook Encampment
One of Washington's most formidable strongholds can be found at the Middlebrook Encampment in Somerset County just North of Bound Brook. At this site, Washington held off stronger British forces by strategically placing his forces along the mountainside.
www.lincolnbittner.com/middlebrook_encampment.html |
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Washington's Rock
Just to the North about 3 miles, and several hundred feet above the Middlebrook Encampment is Washington Rock. This is where General Washington spent a great deal of his time watching the valley floor for signs of British troop movement.
www.lincolnbittner.com/washingtons_rock.html |
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Jockey Hollow - Winter Quarters for Washington's Army in New Jersey
Jockey Hollow is the winter encampment area for Washington's troops. Located in the Morristown area, the natural terrain, availability of water, and distance from the British made this an ideal place to camp during the winter of 1779 and 1780.
www.lincolnbittner.com/jockey_hollow.html |
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Ford Mansion - Washington's Headquarters During the Winter at Jockey Hollow
The Ford Mansion is where Washington headquartered during the winter of 1779 to 1780. It was the worst winter on record, with 22 snow storms. His wife, Martha, a nephew, and his children came to stay with him here.
www.lincolnbittner.com/ford_mansion.html |
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Wick House at Jockey Hollow
The Wick House is located at the southern tip of the Jockey Hollow encampment in the Morristown area. It has a fascinating story attached to it that dates back to the Revolutionary war, that you can read about by following the link. More than 10,000 troops camped on the property owned by the Wick family.
www.lincolnbittner.com/wick_house.html |
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Van Dorn Mill
On your way into the Jockey Hollow encampment area you pass the Van Dorn Mill. Besides being a magnificently constructed grist mill, it also served as the mill that made flour for the soldiers during the revolutionary war.
www.lincolnbittner.com/van_dorn_mill.html |
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Cross Mansion at Jockey Hollow
The Cross Mansion does not have any revolutionary war significance, but is a great example of a bygone era of grandeur and comfort. Its gardens are a must see, and the house was built on a grand scale in the early 1900's. There is even a 5 story tall stone tower close to it that conjures up images of a look out tower for the revolutionary army.
www.lincolnbittner.com/cross_mansion.html |
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Franklin Inn
No visit to this area would be complete without visiting the Franklin Inn. This is where General Cornwallis stayed during a five day British occupation of the area. It is now a bookstore run by volunteers of the Meadows Foundation.
www.lincolnbittner.com/franklin_inn.html |
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Battle of Monmouth Courthouse
The most famous New Jersey battle took place at Monmouth Courthouse, now the site of the Monmouth Battlefield State Park. These pictures of the Battle of Monmouth site will give you some idea of how large the battle field was (the largest in the war), and what each army went through.
www.lincolnbittner.com/battle_of_monmouth.html |
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Battle of Monmouth Re-enactment
Each year, re-enactors get together to pay respect to this great battle. The scenes in this section depict carefully thought-out, historically factual portrayals of the battle as it actually unfolded.
www.lincolnbittner.com/2004_battle_of_monmouth_battle.html |
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Battle of Monmouth Re-enactment - Camp Life Exhibit
The re-enactment is not just about the battle, the re-enactors also work hard to portray the every-day hardships endured while in the encampments. Just walking around the camp will give anyone a greater respect for the sacrifices made by these heros.
www.lincolnbittner.com/2004_battle_of_monmouth_camp_life.html |
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Battle of Piscataqua
On September 11, 2004, the town of Edison and the St. James Church re-enacted the Battle of Piscataqua which took place in front of and behind the church. There was also a dedication of the burial ground surrounding the church, a speech by a representative of the British Consul in New York and the Mayor of Edison. If you like history, you will like these pictures.
www.lincolnbittner.com/battle_of_piscataqua.html |
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Red Bank Battlefield
The Red Bank Battlefield and Fort Mercer is located just across the river from Philadelphia and was the site of heavy fighting with the British Hessians early in the revolutionary war.
www.lincolnbittner.com/red_bank_battlefield.html |
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Navasink Twin Lights Lighthouse
One of the lesser-known sites in the area is the Navasink Twin Lights Lighthouse in Highland. This site has been a lighthouse since early in the 1700's, and was held by the British during the Revolutionary War. It is a must see for any visitor destined for Sandy Hook state park.
www.lincolnbittner.com/twin_lights_lighthouse.html |
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Fort Hancock
Fort Hancock is located on Sandy Hook, and was a thriving military base. This base houses the oldest working lighthouse in the United States, and has many great treasures.
www.lincolnbittner.com/fort_hancock.html |
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Jonathan Dunham Home
One of the oldest homes in Woodbridge is the Jonathan Dunham Home. It is located on the grounds of the Trinity Church and serves as its rectory.
www.lincolnbittner.com/jonathan_dunham_home.html |
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East Jersey Olde Towne
In addition to the photo's shown below, pay a visit to East Jersey Olde Towne for a look into some of the homes and buildings from central Jersey that date back to the 1700's and 1800's. These homes were saved from the wrecking ball of "progress" and carefully restored.
www.lincolnbittner.com/east_jersey_olde_towne.html |
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Battle of Short Hills
On the 26th of June, 1777, Washington's Continental forces of under 6000 men fought a running battle on the plains below the Watchung Mountains with the combined British and Hessian troops numbering about 12,000.
www.lincolnbittner.com/battle_of_short_hills.html |
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Princeton University
Princeton University is more than just a great institution of learning. It is steeped in significant history. Walking the grounds reminds visitors of the struggles that enveloped our country during the war for independence.
www.lincolnbittner.com/princeton_university.html |
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Sandy Hook Lighthouse
When the Sandy Hook Lighthouse was built in 1764, ships entered New York harbor through a natural channel that ran close to Sandy Hook. Sandbars were a constant danger.
www.lincolnbittner.com/sandy_hook_lighthouse.html |
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St. James Church - Edison, NJ
Emigrants from the area of Portsmouth, New Hampshire settled the area in 1664. The keynote address was presented by Dr. Ray Raymond of the British Consul Office in New York.
www.lincolnbittner.com/st_james_church_edison.html |
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Statue of Liberty and Liberty Island
There is more to see here than meets the eye.
www.lincolnbittner.com/statue_of_liberty_and_liberty_island.html |
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Wallace House
Located in Summerville, New Jersey, this house is a fine example of 18th century architecture.
www.lincolnbittner.com/wallace_house.html |
