Walking Through History: 80+ Brave the Heat for a Historic 250th July 4th Tour in Bergen County
the staff of the Ridgewood blog
River Edge NJ, History came alive in River Edge, New Jersey, this Independence Day weekend. Despite soaring summer temperatures, the Bergen County Historical Society (BCHS) celebrated a monumental milestone, hosting a highly successful walking tour in honor of the 250th anniversary of July 4th.
More than 80 dedicated history enthusiasts, residents, and visitors braved the heat to gather at Historic New Bridge Landing (HNBL). The crowd made its way to the iconic 1744/1889 bridge to capture a stunning, once-in-a-lifetime commemorative photograph marking two and a half centuries of American freedom.
Here is a recap of the historic day, the incredible fundraising milestones achieved, and why this specific bridge played a pivotal role in winning the American Revolution.
$1,000+ Raised for a Brand-New Museum!
The walking tour wasn’t just an educational success—it was a financial victory for the preservation of local history. Thanks to the generosity of yesterday’s attendees, over $1,000 was raised directly supporting the construction of the highly anticipated new BCHS museum.
An event of this scale requires a dedicated team, and BCHS President Deborah Powell extended a heartfelt thank you to the exceptional volunteers who worked tirelessly under the summer sun to open and manage the site:
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Law Zabriskie
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Travis Weber
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Michelle Steidle
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Patty Daurizio
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Rich Ciero
As a fully volunteer-run, non-profit organization, the BCHS relies entirely on grassroots community support to keep New Jersey’s rich heritage alive.
Why This Bergen County Bridge Changed the Revolutionary War
For those unfamiliar with the deep historical roots of Historic New Bridge Landing, the bridge crossing the Hackensack River is far more than just a local landmark.
During the American Revolution, this location served a vital strategic purpose. Beginning in the fall of 1776, British forces successfully captured and held Manhattan for the entire duration of the war. Because of this, New Bridge Landing became a crucial, heavily contested military bottleneck.
It served as a key escape route and a defensive stronghold for General George Washington and his troops, earning its rightful place in history books as a literal “bridge to liberty.”
How You Can Help “Make History”
Missed the walking tour but still want to support the preservation of local revolutionary history? You can still contribute to the new museum building fund!
The Bergen County Historical Society accepts digital donations directly through their official website. Alternatively, you can support their mission by mailing a traditional check to:
Bergen County Historical Society (BCHS) PO Box 55, River Edge, NJ 07661-0055
Stay tuned: The BCHS has announced that a commemorative video of the historic 250th July 4th event will be released shortly!
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Tags: #Bergen County #NJHistory #AmericanRevolution #July4th2026 #HistoricNewBridgeLanding #RiverEdgeNJ #SaveOurHistory
