from the Bergen County Historical Society
New Bridge Landing NJ, All roads lead to New Bridge and in the 18th century this was often the case! Due to its proximity in NJ to NYC and sitting at a strategic crossing on the banks of the Hackensack River, New Bridge Landing would be an active piquet post, HQ for George Washington, an information gathering post and the site of eleven skirmishes and engagements during the American Revolution.
You may be familiar with Historic New Bridge Landing and its connection to the Retreat of 1776 by Continental forces from Fort Lee and their first objects, as Thomas Paine mentions was this very pivotal crossing. Yet, the story does not end there. The summer of 1779 would be a year that would show the war was far from leaving the area and heading South. Three major operations unfolded that summer. The first being #StonyPoint, the #SullivanExpedition, which was meant to end Loyalist and Native American incursions on the frontiers of PA and NY and finally an attack on the British held fortification at Paulus Hook.
Paulus Hook was an impressive fortification that was located in modern day #JerseyCity, NJ. Surrounded by a swamp, canal with a drawbridge, stockade, multiple blockhouses and soldier’s barracks, it was a formidable location on the banks of the Hudson. Inspired by Anthony Wayne’s daring attack on Stony Point, “Lighthorse” Harry Lee proposed to Washington that a similar attack should occur at Paulus Hook and he was just the guy to lead it. At first, Washington was not sold on the plan but after making accommodations for His Excellency, that plan was set in motion. Lee, his partisans and Continental troops would organize at New Bridge, attacking only with the bayonet. They would heroically take the fortification but not hold it for too long and would have to march back to New Bridge. Along the way, Crown forces would engage Lee’s men between Paulus Hook and New Bridge.
The Bergen County Historical Society, founded in 1902 to preserve Bergen County’s rich history, once again invites living historians from the Brigade of the American back to Historic New Bridge Landing as we tell this important story.
The event will occur on Saturday, August 17, 2019 from 10 am to 3 pm. The event will include a lecture by military historian and past B.A.R commander, Todd Braisted on the actions at Paulus Hook, as well as opportunities to learn how to use a camp kitchen, tailoring your 18th century food to the season and location, construct defensive works and wigwams and drill as light infantry, preparing on the same ground, as Lee’s men did 240 years ago. In the afternoon, the men will muster on the grounds and march out, guided by the local militia, to capture the fort and hopefully avoid any skirmishes. Please check back for a full schedule. Make sure to check out the new map exhibit!
Event takes place at the Steuben House and Historic New Bridge Landing, 1201 Main Street, River Edge, NJ. BergenCountyHistory.org and info@BergenCountyHistory.org.
Free parking or take the train to “New Bridge Landing” train stop. Pictured below: Museum collection committee member Abi Duffy leveling one of the enlargements of nine Rev War maps that show New Bridge. $12 adults, $7 students, BCHS members free.
HNBL, 1201-1209 Main St., River Edge, NJ. Site map & directions: VISIT HNBL PDF. (Become a member and support our efforts, $20 individual / $30 household)
Site opened by knowledgable volunteer historians and interpreters. Event info updated as available.