The Battle of Piscataqua

The Battle of Piscataqua was fought on May 10, 1777. It was one of three battles fought at or near the St. James church, located along Post Road (Woodbridge Ave.) in Edison. The church’s involvement was due primarily to the fact that the British had occupied it as a barracks and hospital from December 1776 to June 1777.

Although three battles were fought at or near this site, the pictures in this album are from the September 11, 2004 re-enactment of the May 10, 1777 battle. This battle started at the intersection of Woodbridge Avenue, Meadow Road, and Old Post Road, then moved west to entrenchments in the front of the church.

The park that the battle was re-enacted on was the original town commons for the settlement know as Piscataqua over 300 years ago. Piscataqua was latter known as Piscataquatown, and finally Piscatwaytown. Piscatawaytown is not to be confused with the town of Piscataway, which lies some two miles away to the west.

Among the competing armies was the famous British 42nd Royal Highlanders, also known as the Black Watch. This unit is still in existence today.

Click on the link for the St. James Church for more information and to view the dedication ceremonies of the church and burial ground as a historical monument.