Pine Robbers facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Pine Robbers |
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The Pine Barrens of New Jersey, a place where the "Pine Robbers" hid.
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| Years active | 1776-1783 |
| Territory | New Jersey Pine Barrens |
| Ethnicity | British-American |
| Criminal activities | horse theft, highway robbery, cattle raiding, burglary, murder |
The Pine Robbers were groups of criminals and fighters during the American Revolutionary War (1775-1783). They were Loyalists, meaning they supported the British King and not the American colonists fighting for independence. These groups used the thick forests of the Pine Barrens in New Jersey as a hiding place. From there, they carried out attacks and crimes in the area. The dense woods made it easy for them to hide their activities.
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Who Were the Pine Robbers?
The Pine Robbers were not one big organized group. Instead, they were many smaller gangs. They often stole horses and robbed people on roads. They also stole cattle and broke into homes. Their main goal was to cause trouble for the American colonists who wanted independence. They were active during the entire Revolutionary War.
Why the Pine Barrens?
The Pine Barrens is a large, wild area in New Jersey. It has many pine trees and thick forests. This made it a perfect place for the Pine Robbers to hide. It was hard for the American soldiers to find them there. The robbers knew the land well, which gave them an advantage.
Famous Pine Robber Gangs
Several gangs became well-known during this time. They were feared by the local people.
The Fagan Gang
One of the most famous Pine Robber gangs was led by Jacob Fagan. He was a strong Loyalist leader. His main partner was Lewis Fenton. This gang was known for its daring actions.
John Bacon and the "Refugees"
John Bacon was another very well-known Loyalist leader among the Pine Robbers. His gang was called the "Refugees."
In December 1782, Bacon and his gang were involved in a fight called the Battle of Cedar Bridge. American soldiers, led by Captain Edward Thomas and Captain Richard Shreeve, surprised Bacon's gang. Bacon quickly built a makeshift wall to defend his group. The American forces attacked, but Bacon and three of his gang members managed to get away.
On April 3, 1783, John Bacon was found by American soldiers from Burlington, New Jersey. He was surrounded and had no way to escape. He was killed in the fight.
Impact of the Pine Robbers
The Pine Robbers caused a lot of fear and trouble for the people living in New Jersey during the war. Their actions made life difficult for many families. They showed how divided people were during the American Revolution.
