The Midnight Oil in Fort Lee: How Thomas Paine’s “American Crisis” Was Born in Bergen County
the staff of the Ridgewood blog
Fort Lee NJ, Did you know that some of the most influential words in American history were penned right here in Bergen County?
Today marks the Julian birthday of Thomas Paine—the radical, the revolutionary, and the man who arguably convinced the colonists to break up with the British Crown. While he was born in Great Britain in 1737 (or 1736, depending on your calendar preference!), his legacy is deeply rooted in the soil of Fort Lee, New Jersey.
From British Immigrant to American Icon
In 1774, with a literal letter of recommendation from Benjamin Franklin, Paine arrived in the colonies just as the embers of rebellion were beginning to glow. He didn’t just join the movement; he gave it a voice.
While stationed in Fort Lee as an aide to General Nathanael Greene, Paine witnessed the grit and struggle of the Continental Army firsthand. It was during this tense, pivotal moment in the Revolutionary War that he began writing The American Crisis.
“These are the times that try men’s souls…”
Those famous opening lines weren’t written in a cozy library—they were born from the raw reality of the retreat through New Jersey.
Visit the History: Memorial Park in Fort Lee
If you’re looking for a weekend “history hike,” the Bergen County Parks System has you covered. You can visit the commemorative plaque dedicated to Paine at Memorial Park in Fort Lee.
It’s a quiet spot to reflect on how a political philosopher, inventor, and “Common Sense” author helped frame the Enlightenment-era arguments for human rights that still define our discourse today.
Quick Facts: The Man of Two Birthdays
| Detail | Fact |
| Julian Birthday | January 29, 1736 |
| Gregorian Birthday | February 7, 1737 |
| Famous Works | Common Sense, The American Crisis, Rights of Man |
| Local Landmark | Memorial Park, Fort Lee (Bergen County Parks) |
Whether you’re a history buff or just a local looking to appreciate the significance of your backyard, Thomas Paine’s story is a reminder that big ideas often have humble beginnings in places we pass every day.
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