New Jersey holds a central place in the story of American independence, earning its nickname “The Crossroads of the American Revolution” due to the pivotal events that unfolded across its towns and countryside. Between 1775 and 1783, New Jersey experienced over 600 battles, skirmishes, and troop movements, making it one of the most militarily active regions during the Revolutionary War. Key moments, such as the Battles of Trenton, Princeton, and Monmouth, took place on New Jersey soil. The state’s strategic location between New York and Philadelphia made it a crucial corridor for both the Continental and British armies. Its people contributed significantly—through military service, supplies, intelligence, and political leadership—to the broader fight for independence.
In the years that followed, New Jersey continued to shape the young nation, becoming the third state to ratify the U.S. Constitution and playing a crucial role in America’s early political and economic development. The state’s commitment to civic engagement and local governance took root during the Revolution and has endured ever since. As the United States approaches its 250th anniversary in 2026, New Jersey is commemorating its legacy with multi-year celebrations, educational initiatives, and community programs. These efforts not only honor the state’s revolutionary past but also aim to inspire future generations to appreciate the enduring values of liberty, resilience, and democratic participation.
Our Best to Honor America 250
Wreaths Across America – Saturday, December 13
Views: 80 The Mr. Local History Project Volunteers will be at the Basking Ridge Presbyterian Church and the Somerset Hills Cemetery in Basking Ridge this Saturday, December 13, 2025. If… Read More »Wreaths Across America – Saturday, December 13
The Flagship American Eagle & America’s 250
Views: 14,778 To a sailor, one of the most impressive sights is to see a classic tall ship under sail. It has to be one of the most remarkable sights… Read More »The Flagship American Eagle & America’s 250
America 250: The Pluckemin Series – Now Go Tell America About This
Views: 1,054 “Pluck-em-in” and America 250 – Perfect Together. Get to know this Great American History Story Pluckemin, New Jersey, pronounced “PLUCK um in“, carries three enduring name stories. Some… Read More »America 250: The Pluckemin Series – Now Go Tell…
Operation Honor Roll To Indentify Bernards Twp. Armed Services Active Duty & Veterans
Views: 2,456 UPDATE: Volunteer as a researcher to help validate the list. Draft letters are being prepared to send to veteran organizations, and validation of the Bernards Township Honor Roll… Read More »Operation Honor Roll To Indentify Bernards Twp. Armed Services…
Middlesex County Volunteer Fifes and Drums Corp Marches thru Morristown and Somerville
Views: 644 It’s been on our radar to prepare a post and video since one of the nation’s top fife and drum units made their march into New Jersey during… Read More »Middlesex County Volunteer Fifes and Drums Corp Marches thru…
Honoring our Bernards Township Armed Service Veterans this Veterans Day
Views: 13,206 Each Memorial Day and Veterans Day, Bernards Township and Bernardsville honor our military veterans with a banner salute around the Bernards Township Municipal building and in the downtown… Read More »Honoring our Bernards Township Armed Service Veterans this Veterans…
Bernardsville Honors Local Military
Views: 5,567 The borough of Bernardsville, New Jersey, in conjunction with the Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW) Memorial Post 7858 and Downtown Bernardsville, honors local soldiers with a program entitled… Read More »Bernardsville Honors Local Military
Honoring WW2 Veterans Book In Service – 1941-1944 Now Online
Views: 839 Mr. Local History’s “Operation Honor Roll” Celebrate America’s 250th anniversary, honoring ALL those Bernards Township residents who have served in our military. We’re seeking volunteers to undertake this… Read More »Honoring WW2 Veterans Book In Service – 1941-1944 Now…
Share Bedminster Cantonment History With A Pocket Park – America 250 Ideas
Views: 703 With America’s 250th anniversary just around the corner, there’s no better time to recognize great American history about what we’ve coined “The Greatest Story Never Told” about the… Read More »Share Bedminster Cantonment History With A Pocket Park –…
Historic Moment at the Pluckemin Cantonment – Archeologist Finds His Mark
Views: 1,765 It was a cold, winterish April afternoon at the Jacobus Vanderveer House in Bedminster, New Jersey, as a very special guest came to tell his story about what… Read More »Historic Moment at the Pluckemin Cantonment – Archeologist Finds…
Basking Ridge’s Historic Rushmore 5 All Time
Views: 1,670 MLH Mini-Series: The Basking Ridge Rushmore 5 of All Time What better way to preserve local history than by writing about people who have made Basking Ridge one… Read More »Basking Ridge’s Historic Rushmore 5 All Time
Independence Day – Kudos to New Jersey Signers #jersey5
Views: 16,542 The Continental Congress adopted the Declaration of Independence on July 4, 1776. It was engrossed on parchment, and on August 2, 1776, delegates began signing it. Jefferson drafted… Read More »Independence Day – Kudos to New Jersey Signers #jersey5
New Jersey’s Gift to America 250 – A July 4 Celebration You Must See
Views: 3,235 RAIN or SHINE – EVERY July 4th at 10:30 am – Join friends and family on Independence Day as the Washington Camp Ground Association honors the American flag,… Read More »New Jersey’s Gift to America 250 – A July…
The American Flag Means Liberty Corner’s Annin Family
Views: 14,480 Flag Day is celebrated on June 14 to commemorate the adoption of the American flag by the Continental Congress on June 14, 1777. The flag was immediately couriered… Read More »The American Flag Means Liberty Corner’s Annin Family
America’s 250th Anniversary is Coming – Looking Back at the Bicentennial… Jersey Style
Views: 2,996 It’s hard to believe that in 2026, the United States will be celebrating its 250th anniversary. That means it’s also been 50 years since the Bicentennial, and hopefully,… Read More »America’s 250th Anniversary is Coming – Looking Back at…
Rev War in Somerset County Means Middlebrook
Views: 6,341 Middlebrook is a know area in the Martinsville section of Bridgewater, Somerset County, New Jersey. We call it “Jersey’s Gift to America.” New Jersey is known as the… Read More »Rev War in Somerset County Means Middlebrook
Why EVERYONE Should Fly THIS American Flag & Don’t Ask Betsy Ross
Views: 9,834 Meet Francis Hopkinson – New Jersey signer #Jersey5 signer of the Declaration of Independence, who also designed, presented, and received the Continental Congress’s Approval as America’s First official… Read More »Why EVERYONE Should Fly THIS American Flag & Don’t…
History of The Official Bernards Township Flag
Views: 7,046 Bernards Township has an impressive history that dates back to the early 1600s. The Mr. Local History Project started investigating the origins of the Bernards Township official flag.… Read More »History of The Official Bernards Township Flag
Lord Stirling’s Rev War Beacon Signal Towers
Views: 15,674 General Washington, the Continental Army, and General Lord Stirling of Basking Ridge drew inspiration from history and created a sophisticated communications network to track the British movement. They… Read More »Lord Stirling’s Rev War Beacon Signal Towers
Bedminster Township’s Vanderveer Knox House
Views: 11,906 UPDATE: July 31, 2025: A new Bedminster Township-led commission has taken over the property and its contents, creating a new mission to preserve and promote the Vanderveer House… Read More »Bedminster Township’s Vanderveer Knox House
Before the West Point Military Academy (USMA) There was Pluckemin
Views: 196,802 America’s First Military Academy, the Pluckemin Academy (Dec.1778) was 24 Years BEFORE West Point (Mar. 16, 1802). One of the greatest untold stories of the American Revolution.The Pluckemin… Read More »Before the West Point Military Academy (USMA) There was…
1779 – Grand Alliance Ball – Pluckemin New Jersey
Views: 17,325 “The entertainment began with a discharge of 13 cannons at 4 o’clock in the afternoon.” The Grand Alliance Ball – Sunday, February 18, 1779 , Pluckemin, New Jersey… Read More »1779 – Grand Alliance Ball – Pluckemin New Jersey