Cedar Bridge Tavern facts for kids
Quick facts for kids |
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Cedar Bridge Tavern
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Cedar Bridge Tavern, Barnegat Township, New Jersey
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 Location in Ocean County, New Jersey
Location in New Jersey
Location in the United States
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| Location | 200 Old Halfway Road, Barnegat Township, New Jersey |
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| Area | 6 acres (2.4 ha) |
| Built | ca. 1740 |
| Architectural style | Federal |
| NRHP reference No. | 13000586 |
| Added to NRHP | August 7, 2013 |
The Cedar Bridge Tavern is a very old building in the New Jersey Pine Barrens. You can find it in Barnegat Township. It was built around 1740. Many people believe it's the oldest bar still standing in the United States. This historic spot is also where the very last fight of the American Revolutionary War happened. It is listed on the National Register of Historic Places, which means it's a really important historical site.
A Look Back in Time
The Last Skirmish
Even though the big Siege of Yorktown ended the main fighting of the American Revolution, smaller clashes still happened. These continued until the Treaty of Paris was signed. The very last of these conflicts took place in New Jersey in 1782.
On December 27, 1782, American forces heard that a Loyalist leader named John Bacon was nearby. Loyalists were people who stayed loyal to the British king during the war. Captains Richard Shreve and Edward Thomas led the American soldiers. They found Bacon and his group, sometimes called "Refugees," near the Cedar Bridge Tavern. A short gunfight happened. Bacon and his men managed to get away. One American soldier was seriously hurt, and four others were wounded. Four Loyalists were also wounded, including Bacon.
A Special Historic Place
Experts believe the Cedar Bridge Tavern was built around 1740. It was located near a busy stagecoach route. This route connected Camden to the Jersey Shore. The tavern, with its wooden sides and long front porch, was a popular stop. It served as a hotel, restaurant, and bar for many travelers.
In 2008, Ocean County bought the property. They bought it from its last owner, Rudolf Koenig, for $120,000. The old building still sits on a dirt road. It is surrounded by tall pine trees. On August 7, 2013, the Cedar Bridge Tavern was added to the National Register of Historic Places. Ocean County is now spending money to fix up the site. They plan to build a home for a caretaker and an outdoor classroom. This will help people learn more about its history.
Reliving History
Every year in December, the "Affair at Cedar Bridge" is brought to life again. People dress up in old costumes. They act out the historic skirmish that happened there. It's a great way to see history come alive!
