July 4th Walking Tour Explores Revolutionary War Site Known as “The Bridge That Saved a Nation”
the staff of the Ridgewood blog
RIVER EDGE, NJ (June 2026) — The Bergen County Historical Society (BCHS) invites the public to celebrate Independence Day from 1:00 – 2:30pm with a special guided walking tour of Historic New Bridge Landing, one of the nation’s most important Revolutionary War sites.
The July 4th “Meet Me in the Meadow” Walking Tour offers visitors an opportunity to explore the grounds where pivotal events of the American Revolution unfolded and reflect on the founding of the United States on the anniversary of the Declaration of Independence.
Because of its strategically important bridge crossing over the Hackensack River, Historic New Bridge Landing witnessed military activity during every year of the Revolutionary War, serving as a battleground, encampment ground, military headquarters, and intelligence-gathering post. The site played a critical role during George Washington’s retreat across New Jersey in 1776, earning its reputation as “The Bridge That Saved a Nation.”
“There is no better place to celebrate Independence Day than at a site where the fight for American liberty helped shape the future of our nation,” said Deborah Powell, Historic New Bridge Landing State Park Commission member and former president of the Bergen County Historical Society.
Powell will lead participants on a guided walk through the historic site, sharing stories of soldiers, spies, military leaders, and local residents whose lives intersected at this critical crossing during the Revolution. The tour concludes at the 1752 Steuben House, where guests will enjoy complimentary lemonade, iced tea, and cookies.
The event will also highlight BCHS’s new 3,750-square-foot museum and civic education center currently under development at Historic New Bridge Landing. Phase 1 of the project has been completed, and fundraising continues to support the next Phase 2 of construction. The museum will provide expanded exhibit space, educational programming, and climate-controlled storage for the Society’s collections. .
“As we prepare to commemorate our nation’s Semiquincentennial, we are creating a permanent home where these important stories can be preserved and shared with future generations,” Powell said.
Event Information
Where: July 4th Walking Tour of Historic New Bridge Landing – “Meet Me in the Meadow”
1208 Main Street, River Edge, NJ
Guide: Deborah Powell, Historic New Bridge Landing State Park Commission Member and Past BCHS President.
Parking: Free parking is available on site. Visitors may also take NJ TRANSIT’s Pascack Valley Line to the New Bridge Landing station, located one block from the historic site.
Tickets: Advance reservations are encouraged. For tickets and information, visit www.bergencountyhistory.org or email: contactbchs@bergencountyhistory. For questions call (201) 343-949 and leave a message.
Dogs are welcome on the grounds when kept on a leash but are not permitted inside the historic houses.
About the Bergen County Historical Society
Founded in 1902, the Bergen County Historical Society preserves and promotes the rich history of Bergen County, New Jersey. The Society stewards Historic New Bridge Landing, a National Historic Landmark district and one of the most significant Revolutionary War sites in the nation.
