History Comes Alive: The 1780 Battle That Shook Bergen County Unearthed at One Bergen County Plaza
photos courtesy of Bergen County Executive Jim Tedesco
the staff of the Ridgewood blog
Paramus NJ, The “Neutral Ground” of New Jersey was anything but quiet in 1780. On April 8th, history buffs and local residents gathered at One Bergen County Plaza for a gripping installment of the Revolutionary War Roundtable Speaker Series. The evening offered an exclusive deep dive into the Battle of the Old Paramus Reformed Church, a pivotal 1780 engagement that saw nearly 1,000 combatants clash right here on Bergen County soil.
The Strategy: Breaking Down the Raid
The night featured George Wright, a veteran of the New Jersey Bar and a prominent member of the Sons of the American Revolution. Wright, a renowned expert on the American Revolution in New Jersey, provided a masterclass on the tactical maneuvers of the March 23, 1780, British raid.
He highlighted how the Old Paramus Reformed Church served as a vital Continental post, explaining the high-stakes chaos that unfolded when approximately 900 soldiers converged on the site.
The Art: Commemorating 250 Years of Independence
In a stunning visual tribute, award-winning fine artist Bill Angresano—whose work graces the Boxing Hall of Fame—unveiled a brand-new painting commissioned specifically for this event. The artwork honors two massive milestones:
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The 250th Anniversary of American Independence (Bergen250).
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The 300th Anniversary of the Old Paramus Reformed Church.
Angresano’s masterpiece captures the intensity of the engagement, offering a window into the past that standard history books simply cannot provide.
A Community Celebration of Heritage
Bergen County Executive Jim Tedesco praised the event, thanking the Division of Cultural & Historic Affairs, George Wright, and Bill Angresano for their contributions. Special recognition was given to Bergen250 Coordinator Colin Knight and Commissioner Mary Amoroso for their dedication to preserving local history.
“Another great lecture… Thank you to George Wright and Bill Angresano for a great discussion on the 1780 Battle at the Old Paramus Church!” — Jim Tedesco, Bergen County Executive
Mark Your Calendars: What’s Next?
If you missed this session, don’t worry! The series continues on Wednesday, May 13, as historian Todd Braisted breaks down the legendary Continental Army’s retreat across “The Jerseys.”
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Our brilliant and esteemed Council must have been too busy to attend.
As a son of the American Revolution I think calling this a “battle” is quite an exaggeration. The court martial of Charles Lee is more of a historical significance in my opinion.
1780 with no route 17, no buildings or houses, no pavement. The heavily wooded land, with the Saddle River cutting through, was used for encampments and battles
To think otherwise exposes an abundance of ignorance
The Schedler property should be left alone with no sports fields
For both the historical significance and as the only buffer protecting Ridgewood residents from the noise and pollution of route 17
What happened to caring about our neighbors and fellow residents?
Shame on this disgraceful village council and the caring sports groups