Retreat to Victory: Experience George Washington’s Desperate Dash Across the Jerseys
the staff of the Ridgewood blog
River Edge NJ, join the Bergen County Historical Society for a stunning, immersive living history event: “Retreat to Victory.” On the 249th anniversary of one of the darkest yet most pivotal moments of the American Revolution, step back in time to the crucial moments of the Retreat Across the Jerseys at Historic New Bridge Landing in River Edge, New Jersey.
This is your chance to literally walk in the footsteps of George Washington and his Continental Army as they raced to escape a massive British force in November 1776. Discover why the Hackensack River crossing at New Bridge Landing is legendary as the “Bridge that Saved a Nation.”
🗓️ Event Details: Don’t Miss This Historic Anniversary!
| Detail | Information |
| Date | Sunday, November 23, 2025 |
| Time | 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM |
| Location | Historic New Bridge Landing, 1209 Main St, River Edge, NJ 07661 |
| Focus | 249th Anniversary of the Retreat Across the Jerseys |
⚔️ What to Expect: Tactical Demonstrations and Immersion
The event will center around the vital Hackensack River crossing—the very bridge Thomas Paine wrote about in The American Crisis as the first object to secure.
-
Two Major Skirmishes: Witness intense tactical battle demonstrations illustrating the chaos of the American retreat and the fierce rearguard action against the advancing British.
-
Morning Skirmish (10:15 AM): “Washington leads the troops across the Bridge in Retreat,” showcasing the frantic rush to get the main force and the nation’s figurehead to safety.
-
Afternoon Skirmish (1:30 PM): “Rearguard Action in New Bridge,” where Continental forces fortify the bridge and the Steuben House area before a final, desperate retreat.
-
-
Meet George Washington: Dinner on Saturday evening is planned with an interpreter for George Washington (John Koopman)!
-
Living History: Engage with living historians and thousands of spectators. Discuss the sacrifices and struggles of 1776, watch period Dragoon and Infantry drills, and see how makeshift defenses (fascines) were built.
-
Historic Tours: All three historic houses and the barn will be open, complete with interpreters bringing 18th-century life to light.
-
Black Horse Tavern: Enjoy cider and donuts at the historic tavern!
-
New Exhibits: Explore new exhibits detailing this crucial chapter of the war.
A Note on the History
Following the fall of Fort Lee, the Continental Army faced near-disaster. Trapped on a narrow peninsula between two rivers with the British closing in, securing the bridge over the Hackensack was the only way out. As Thomas Paine noted, Washington had to ensure the army survived. The successful (though desperate) crossing at New Bridge Landing prevented the capture of the entire force, allowing the fight—and the hope for American independence—to live on.
Visitor Information & Support Our Mission
Your attendance supports a great cause! The Bergen County Historical Society is an all-volunteer organization, and 100% of proceeds go directly to our mission, including crucial fundraising for a new museum.
-
Adults: $15
-
BCHS Members: $10
-
Ages 18 and Under: FREE!
You can pay at the gate or pay online (link to payment/BCHS website here).
Getting There
-
Driving: Free parking is available (or use the NJ Transit Parking lot free on Sundays—at your own risk).
-
Train: Take the Pascack Valley line to River Edge Station. Cross the light and walk one block east/north to the HNBL entrance.
Note: Leashed dogs are welcome on the grounds but are not permitted inside the historic buildings.
Calling All Reenactors!
Want to be part of the action? We look forward to working with you this year and next year for the 250th anniversary!
Tell your story #TheRidgewoodblog , #Indpendentnews, #information, #advertise, #guestpost, #affiliatemarketing,#NorthJersey, #NJ , #News, #localnews, #bergencounty, #sponsoredpost, #SponsoredContent, #contentplacement , #linkplacement, Email: [email protected]
