Shedding Light on the Truth: The Revolutionary War Secrets of Old Paramus Reformed Church and the Schedler Property
the staff of the Ridgewood blog
Ridgewood NJ, the history books often skim over the dramatic, human moments of the Revolutionary War, but right here in Bergen County, the Old Paramus Reformed Church holds secrets involving George Washington, military misconduct, and some very unhappy local farmers.
If you thought the church was just a quiet historical landmark, think again! We’re diving into the verified, surprising facts surrounding its time as a crucial military post.
Washington’s Courtroom: The Trial of General Charles Lee
One of the most intense legal dramas of the entire war unfolded right inside the venerable church walls.
In August 1778, following the fierce and chaotic Battle of Monmouth, Major General Charles Lee faced a historic court-martial. His charge? Disobeying orders and misbehavior before the enemy.
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The Setting: A session of the court-martial was definitively held at the Old Paramus Reformed Church.
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The Verdict: Lee was ultimately found guilty of all charges, including disrespecting General George Washington, and was suspended from the Continental Army for one year. This trial cemented the location’s place in military and legal history.
Washington’s Ten Visits: A Key Headquarters
The church wasn’t just a courtroom; it served as a vital strategic location. Records confirm that General George Washington used the Old Paramus Reformed Church as his Continental Army Headquarters a total of ten different times between the years of 1778 and 1780.
When Washington was headquartered at the church, the Continental troops, including his command, were famously encamped across the road, now route 17 at the Schedler property. This area was a bustling military post during the post-Monmouth campaign season.
The “Very Bad House Guests” Legend
While the church and the Schedler property played a crucial role in securing the young nation, the soldiers themselves weren’t always popular with the locals.
One of the most colorful (and believable) historical tidbits from this period is that the encampment at Schedler was eventually “driven off by irate local farmers” who were tired of the troops’ poor behavior! The soldiers were apparently considered “very bad house guests,”for taking advantage of the local hospitality , highlighting the friction between the army and the civilians tasked with supporting them.
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The failed lawyer and crappy restaurant owner doesn’t care.
Bet they loved having a Duncan Donuts so close!
Halaby was probably there talking to the troops about weddings for gerbils.
Post of the day !
How’s the Bergen County Historical and Cultural Center coming along? Keith and the Clown Council have been awfully quiet.
Will there be a battle or court-martial Re-Enactment for our Nation’s 250th Birthday?
I hope the Council and Keith partake!
They are all so devoted to preserving Ridgewood’s history and it would be a great photo-op…might even go viral!