New Jersey in the American Revolution facts for kids

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New Jersey played a super important part in the American Revolution. Many big battles happened here, which helped the American colonists win their freedom. Because of its key role, New Jersey was called the Crossroads of the American Revolution.

Not everyone in New Jersey wanted independence. Governor William Franklin, who was Benjamin Franklin's son, stayed loyal to the King of England. He even supported the Stamp Act. Many colonists felt loyal to England because they had moved from there. Governor Franklin was arrested on January 8, 1776, for being against the Revolution. Some slaves joined the British army because they were promised freedom. For example, Colonel Tye was an escaped slave who led attacks against people in New Jersey.

During the Revolutionary War, there were many fights between Americans and the British in New Jersey. In fact, 296 battles and skirmishes happened here. That's more than in any other colony during the war!

Why Tensions Grew Before the War

After the French and Indian War, Americans and the British started arguing. One big reason was about who should pay for the war. This war gave the British a lot of new land, like Quebec.

When the British government passed new taxes like the Sugar Act, the Stamp Act, and the Tea Act, people got really angry. Protests broke out. In Greenwich Township, New Jersey, on December 22, 1774, about 40 colonists went into a loyalist's cellar. They quickly stole and burned chests of tea.

Signing the Declaration of Independence

Five men from New Jersey signed the United States Declaration of Independence. They were Richard Stockton, John Witherspoon, Francis Hopkinson, John Hart, and Abraham Clark. These men took huge risks to fight for independence. They all continued to serve their new country.

• Richard Stockton was a well-known lawyer. He gave up his royal judge title and his business interests to become a delegate for New Jersey.
• John Witherspoon came from Scotland. He became the sixth president of the College of New Jersey (now Princeton University). He was a famous minister and a key member of the Continental Congress.
• Francis Hopkinson was talented in many areas, including arts and science. George Washington later appointed him as a federal judge.
• John Hart was a big landowner and a judge. He also gave up his high standing with the British to join the New Jersey Assembly. After signing the Declaration, he became the speaker of the Assembly.
• Abraham Clark was from Elizabethtown. He worked many jobs like farmer, surveyor, and legal adviser before becoming a politician. He was well-liked and held many government positions.

Key Battles in New Jersey

New Jersey was not only a battleground but also helped stop British supplies. Forts on the Delaware River could attack British ships heading to Philadelphia. American soldiers in small boats raided New York City and Long Island. They also captured British ships near New York Harbor.

New Jersey also had ironworks that made iron products, like cannons, for the war. The Ford family in Morristown ran a mill that made gunpowder. The Continental Army stayed in New Jersey for three winters: 1777 in Morristown, 1778–79 in Middlebrook, and 1780 again in Morristown.

British soldiers often raided New Jersey from New York City. They were looking for supplies like food, firewood, and animals. They also wanted to capture important American patriots.

Battle of Fort Lee

A painting by Thomas Davies showing the British landing near Fort Lee, New Jersey, on November 20, 1776.

The war started tough for the American army. After losing battles in Brooklyn, General George Washington led his troops towards Manhattan. The British followed them. On November 16, 1776, Fort Washington in Manhattan fell to the British.

On November 20, 1776, British soldiers led by Charles Cornwallis captured Fort Lee. American soldiers there, led by General Nathanael Greene, had to retreat quickly. Washington had rushed to warn them about the British. The fort was evacuated, but the British captured a lot of American equipment and supplies.

Washington then led his 2,000 troops from Fort Lee on a retreat. They went through towns like Englewood and Teaneck, crossing the Hackensack River. Washington continued his retreat through early December, passing through Princeton on his way to the Delaware River.

The Ten Crucial Days

A military map by William Faden showing troop movements during the Ten Crucial Days.

The "Ten Crucial Days" were from December 25, 1776, to January 3, 1777. During this time, several very important battles happened. These included the battles of Trenton, Assunpink Creek, and Princeton. The Continental Army under George Washington fought against the British army, mostly led by Charles Cornwallis.

Washington desperately needed a victory to give his army hope and boost their spirits. These days are seen as one of the most important military actions in history. Some historians say that few groups of soldiers have ever achieved so much in such a short time.

Battle of Trenton

The Capture of the Hessians at Trenton, December 26, 1776 by John Trumbull.

On the night of December 25–26, 1776, General George Washington led the Continental Army in a secret crossing of the Delaware River. They surprised the Hessian soldiers stationed in Trenton. The Hessians were not ready for an attack during a bad storm.

In the Battle of Trenton on December 26, the Continental Army defeated the Hessians. The Americans attacked from different directions. Their cannons stopped the Hessians from forming up in the streets. The Hessians tried to retreat but were completely surrounded. The Americans captured almost 900 Hessian soldiers in just 90 minutes. They also took the supplies the British had left in Trenton. After the battle, Washington led his soldiers safely back into Pennsylvania. This victory greatly helped to increase the confidence of the Continental Congress.

Battle of the Assunpink Creek

On January 2, 1777, Cornwallis hoped to fight Washington's army in Trenton. This led to the Battle of the Assunpink Creek, also called the Second Battle of Trenton. Cornwallis's first attacks failed. After taking Trenton back, he ordered his troops to charge American defenses built by Washington at Assunpink Creek. The Americans fired at the British, causing many casualties.

Later that night, Washington secretly moved most of his army to attack British troops in Princeton. At the same time, he left a few troops behind. These troops made fake campfires and loud noises to make it seem like the American army was still in Trenton. This tricked Cornwallis.

Battle of Princeton

The Death of General Mercer at the Battle of Princeton, January 3, 1777 by John Trumbull.

On January 3, 1777, Washington's Continental Army defeated the British army under Cornwallis at the Battle of Princeton.

The first fight was between General Hugh Mercer's American troops and British Colonel Charles Mawhood's soldiers. Both sides saw each other near a hill. Mawhood's men fired first and then charged with bayonets. Mercer's men, who mostly had rifles, were pushed back. Mercer was badly wounded and died a few days later.

More American militia joined the fight. Washington himself led more American soldiers and encouraged the militia to keep fighting. After some intense firing, Mawhood's troops had to retreat.

American General Sullivan marched into Princeton. Most of the remaining British forces ran towards New Brunswick. But some British soldiers took cover in Nassau Hall, a stone building at Princeton University.

The Americans set up cannons facing Nassau Hall. Two cannonballs hit the walls of the building. The British soldiers inside were soon forced to surrender to the Americans. Nassau Hall was recaptured. Cornwallis quickly tried to bring his army to fight Washington. But a small American force damaged the Stoney Point Bridge, which delayed the British.

These two victories (Trenton and Princeton) and the return of militias from several states forced the British out of most of New Jersey. This greatly boosted American morale. The British were soon stuck in a small area around New Brunswick. This showed the Americans that they could win. The British realized it would be a long war.

Battle of Millstone

The Battle of Millstone, also called the Battle of Van Nest's Mills, happened on January 20, 1777. After the Battle of Princeton, Washington's soldiers traveled north along the Millstone River to Somerset Court House (now Millstone, New Jersey). Then they went to Morristown.

A British group of a few hundred men also went to Somerset Court House from New Brunswick. They reached Van Nest's Mill (now Manville, New Jersey). After taking flour and livestock, the British set up defenses with three cannons by the Millstone River. But the local militia surprised them. They crossed the cold, waist-deep river and captured many British soldiers. They also took back the stolen supplies.

Battle of Bound Brook

The Battle of Bound Brook was a small defeat for the Americans stationed at Bound Brook, New Jersey, on April 13, 1777. About 4,000 British soldiers attacked Bound Brook from four directions. The Americans fought hard at first but then had to retreat. Around 60 Americans were hurt or killed, while only one British soldier died. Later that same day, Nathanael Greene recaptured Bound Brook. But George Washington realized it was hard to defend that spot.

Battle of Short Hills

On June 26, 1777, General Howe moved his British army to Millstone, New Jersey. He found that Washington would not move his army from their strong position in the Watchung Mountains. Howe wanted to attack Philadelphia, but he couldn't safely go through New Jersey because the militia kept attacking his men. So, he had to move his troops back to New Brunswick to get on ships.

As the British moved back, Washington sent some generals forward to look for a chance to attack. General Lord Stirling moved his men to the Short Hills area. Suddenly, the British sent a larger force to attack them. The Americans were in a tough spot, but they managed to avoid being completely defeated. They fought a delaying battle while most of the American force escaped the trap.

Washington, who had finally moved out of the Watchung Mountains, moved back. He ordered his troops around New Brunswick to do the same. With the Americans moved away, Howe was able to get his men onto ships and leave New Jersey safely. The British left New Brunswick and Staten Island to attack Philadelphia later.

Battle of Monmouth

Washington Rallying the Troops at Monmouth by Emanuel Leutze.

In 1777, the British went back to New York City to protect it from a possible attack by France. Washington quickly ordered his soldiers to march towards the British. They met at the Battle of Monmouth, near Monmouth Court House (now Freehold Borough).

On June 28, 1778, the Continental Army under George Washington met a British group led by Sir Henry Clinton. Washington hoped to surprise the back of the British army. General Charles Lee led the American attack. But he retreated quickly when the British tried to attack the Americans from the side. This retreat almost caused a huge mess, but Washington personally rallied the troops. They managed to stand strong against the British counterattacks.

The British tried two attacks to defeat the Americans, but both failed. It was extremely hot, over 100°F (38°C), and many soldiers collapsed from heatstroke. After the battle, Charles Lee asked for a military trial to defend himself against accusations about his actions. Over 1,000 British soldiers were hurt or killed. The Americans lost about 452 men. This battle also inspired the famous story of Molly Pitcher.

Baylor Massacre

The Baylor Massacre was an attack on September 27, 1778. It happened to the 3rd Regiment of Continental Light Dragoons led by Colonel George Baylor. This took place in what is now River Vale, New Jersey. During the night, loyalists told the British where the Americans were. The British used bayonets to kill, injure, or capture 67 of the American dragoons.

Battle of Paulus Hook

Paulus Hook was a small piece of land (now part of Jersey City). It was a main spot for anyone traveling from New York City into New Jersey. The British navy could protect it because it was on the Hudson River. The British used it as a base to send raiders into Bergen County. Local militia tried to guard the area to stop these raiders.

The Battle of Paulus Hook was fought on August 19, 1779. American patriots, led by Light Horse Harry Lee, launched a night attack on the British-controlled fort. They surprised the British and took several prisoners. But they had to leave before daylight, when the British navy could react. The fort continued to be used by the British as a base against American patriots.

Battle of Connecticut Farms

On June 6, 1780, British troops sailed from Staten Island to Elizabeth, New Jersey. At midnight, 5,000 troops started to land. They thought the American army would not fight much because they were tired of the war and poorly paid. They also expected New Jersey citizens to welcome them. But they were wrong.

As the British marched into Elizabeth, they were attacked by Lt. Ogden and a small group of men. Ogden had orders to fire once and retreat. That one volley wounded British General Stirling and delayed the British advance for several hours.

The New Jersey Brigade of the Continental Army in Elizabeth moved back towards Connecticut Farms (now Union Township, New Jersey). They sent word to Washington's main army in Morristown. The New Jersey brigade was greatly outnumbered. Warnings also went out to the militia, and they started to gather and march towards the British from as far away as Hopewell, New Jersey.

When the British advanced, the militia attacked their sides. This forced the British to send many of their soldiers to protect their supply lines. General William Maxwell, who commanded the New Jersey Brigade, set up defenses on the road to Connecticut Farms. After a day of fierce fighting, the British realized they could not easily break through towards the Hobart Gap leading to Morristown. After burning the town, they went back to Elizabeth point.

Battle of Springfield

The Battle of Springfield was the last major battle in New Jersey and the northern states during the Revolutionary War. Baron von Knyphausen, a Hessian general, hoped to invade New Jersey. He expected support from New Jersey colonists who were tired of the war. His goal was to capture Hobart Gap, which would allow him to attack the American headquarters in Morristown.

On June 23, 1780, the British attacked American soldiers and militia led by Nathanael Greene. General Greene successfully stopped a two-part attack from positions across the Rahway River. This victory prevented a British attack on Morristown and its military supplies.

Final Skirmishes of the American Revolution

Several small fights happened in New Jersey just before and after the Battle of Yorktown. These were the last conflicts of the American Revolution.

• The Skirmish at Manahawkin happened on December 30 and 31, 1781. Militiamen fought against John Bacon and his men. One person died and one was injured.
• On October 25, 1782, after the fighting between the US and Great Britain had mostly stopped, Bacon and his men murdered 19 men in their sleep. This included Patriot militia Captain Andrew Steelman. This event is known as the Long Beach Island Massacre.
• On December 9, 1782, Lieutenant Nicholas Morgan, age 28, was guarding the shore of South Amboy. He was ambushed by loyalist "refugees" from New York. Morgan might have been the last officer of the Continental Army to die in the American Revolution.
• The Affair at Cedar Bridge in Barnegat Township was the very last conflict involving British-allied forces of the American Revolution. It took place in December 1782. One Patriot was killed, and four were wounded. Four Loyalists were wounded, including Bacon.

Newspapers Helped the Cause

The New Jersey Journal was the second newspaper ever published in the state. Shepard Kollock started printing it in Chatham in 1779. This newspaper became very important for the Revolution. News about the war came directly to the editor from Washington's headquarters in nearby Morristown. This helped to keep the spirits up for the soldiers and their families. As editor, Kollock also led lively discussions about independence. He debated with those who were against it and those who supported it.

Kollock later moved the newspaper twice. First to New Brunswick when the fighting moved there. Then in 1785, he set up his last printing location in Elizabeth under the same name. The Journal stopped being published in 1992.

New Jersey's First State Constitution

In 1776, New Jersey wrote its first New Jersey State Constitution. It was written during the Revolutionary War to create a basic plan for the state government. This constitution allowed women and black men to vote if they owned a certain amount of property. The New Jersey Constitution of 1776 said that "all inhabitants of this Colony, of full age, who are worth fifty pounds proclamation money" could vote. This included black people, single women, and widows. (Married women could not own property under the old common law.)

Over time, there were arguments about who could vote. In 1807, the state legislature changed the interpretation of the constitution. They decided that only white men could vote, and they removed the property requirement. However, they also stopped very poor people from voting.

After the War Ended

In the summer of 1783, the Continental Congress met in Nassau Hall at Princeton University. They had originally met in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, but soldiers who were upset prevented the meeting there. Princeton became the temporary capital for the new country for four months.

During their short stay in Princeton, the Continental Congress learned that the war was officially over. The Treaty of Paris was signed on September 3, 1783. George Washington was a key person at this meeting, and a portrait of him was made there.

On December 18, 1787, New Jersey became the third state to approve the Constitution. Then, on November 20, 1789, New Jersey was the first state to approve the Bill of Rights.

New Jersey also played a big role in shaping the new United States Government. When Virginia suggested a plan where states would have votes based on their population, smaller states worried they wouldn't have a say. William Paterson, a New Jersey statesman, introduced the New Jersey Plan. This plan said each state would get one vote, giving all states equal power in the law-making body.

Under the Great Compromise, both ideas were used. The Congress was split into two parts. The Senate was designed like the New Jersey Plan, with equal votes for each state.