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2nd Continental Congress
On May 10, 1775 the Second Continental Congress convened in Philadelphia to discuss how to proceed with the tyranny of England. The American Revolution had already begun and the Congress was to direct the war. New Jersey sent delegates and it was decided to form a Continental Army. This Congress also drafted the Declaration of Independence. -
1st NJ Regiment
Contiental Congress authorized the First New Jersey Regiment to be raised to be a part of the Contienental Army. This regiment was known as the Jersey Blues for their distinct uniforms. -
Continental Marines
On November 10, 1775 the Continental Congress authorized two battalions of Continental Marines be raised to support the war effort. These predecessors wre born in Tun Tavern Philadelphia, Pa. The United States Marine Corps of today is known as America's 911 Force in Readiness. -
First Battle of Trenton
George Washington led his troops across the Delaware to sneak attack Hessian troops statiened in Trenton NJ. America was in desparate need of a military and moral victory. Washington's troops captured or killed almost 1,400 men. This victory breathed new life into the war effort. -
Battle of Princeton
This was another important victory for General Washington and the Contiental Army. This was not a huge battle with a vast amount of British casualties, but the Americans had defeated the British and sent them in retreat. It reinforced to the fledgling country that we could defeat the mighty British and win our Independence. -
Battle of Monmouth
The Battle of Monmouth was a major turning point for the Americans in New Jeresy. This was a major battle of 13,000 Americans against 20,000 British troops. The battle was a bit of a stalemate but the Americans saw they could stand toe to toe with the British war machine in a major engagement and force them to retreat. -
Paulus Hook
Major Harry Lee led a guerrilla attack against a British garrison at Paulus Hook, which is present day downtown Jersey City. A small force of 300 men defeated the small garrison and took 158 prisoners. As daylight aproached, the major withdrew his forces. Due to the size, might and skill of the British Army, guerrilla warfare tactics were a great way to crush British morale and confidence. -
Elizabethtown
Old First as the First Presbyterian Church in Elizabeth was known was burned to the ground by British troops on January 25, 1780. The Union County Courthouse is next to the church. In 1780 the borough courthouse was there and also burned by the British. Old First produced many patriots who fought for Independence. the church's reverand, James Caldwell was known as a Fighting Chaplain. He fought in the Battle of Springfield and his wife was killed at the battle of Connecticut Farms. -
Battle of Connecticut Farms
The British sent troops to attack the Continental Army troops bivouacking in Morristown. Members of the NJ Militia met the British troops who were marching from Elizabethtown at Connecticut Farms, which is present day Union Township. The British were halted and were forced to return to Elizabethtown. -
Battle of Springfield
The Battle of Springfield was a multi-front battle. The British again attempted to reach Morristown and the undermanned, recuperating Contiental Army. Units of the Continental Army, New Jersey, Rhode Island, Massachusettes and Connecticut were prepared for the battle. The British advanced to Springfield but were stopped. As they retreated they burned down the town. -
Elias Boudinot
Elias Boudinot was elected as President of the Continental Congress in 1782. On April 15, 1783 he signed the Preliminary Artlicles of Peace which began the process of ending the war. Boudinot was from Elizabethtown and his home is still standing. It is known as Boxwood Hall on East Jersey St. Across the street is the Belcher- Ogden Mansion of NJ Governor Jonathon Belcher. -
Treaty of Paris
The Treaty of Paris is signed by the British and Americans ending the American Revolution and recognizing American Independence.