Red Bank Battlefield facts for kids
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Red Bank Battlefield
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Red Bank Battle Monument, dedicated 1906
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 Location in Gloucester County, New Jersey
Location in New Jersey
Location in the United States
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| Location | 100 Hessian Avenue, National Park, NJ 08063 |
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| Area | 20 acres (8.1 ha) |
| NRHP reference No. | 72000796 |
Quick facts for kids Significant dates |
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| Added to NRHP | October 31, 1972 |
| Designated NHL | November 28, 1972 |
The Red Bank Battlefield is a historic park in National Park, New Jersey. It sits along the Delaware River. This place was very important during the American Revolutionary War. A big fight called the Battle of Red Bank happened here on October 22, 1777.
During the war, two forts, Fort Mercer here and Fort Mifflin in Pennsylvania, guarded the river. They stopped the British from using the river to move their ships and supplies. These forts successfully slowed down the British army. Even though the forts were later destroyed or left empty, they gave the American forces valuable time.
Today, you can still see parts of the battlefield. There are trenches and cannons that were used by the American soldiers. Only about 100 Americans fought against 2000 British and Hessian soldiers here. The Whitall House, an old home from 1748, was used as a hospital during the battle. You can visit it today. The battlefield is now a park called Red Bank Battlefield Park. It is managed by Gloucester County.
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The Whitall House: A Wartime Hospital
The most important building at the park is the James and Ann Whitall House. It was built in 1748 by James Whitall Sr. The house has a classic Georgian architecture style. It is made of brick and stone.
During the Battle of Red Bank, this house was very close to Fort Mercer. It became a hospital for soldiers who were hurt in the fighting. The house was damaged during the battle. Ann Cooper Whitall, James's wife, stayed in the house during the battle. She bravely helped care for the wounded soldiers. Because of her courage, she is known as the "Heroine of Red Bank."
Exploring the Park's History
Even though some parts of the battlefield have worn away into the Delaware River, you can still see parts of Fort Mercer. The fort was named after Brigadier General Hugh Mercer, who died in another battle. The most noticeable feature is the remains of a ditch that once surrounded the fort's earth walls.
Around the park and along the river, you can see several old cannons. Four of these cannons were found in the wrecks of British ships, the HMS Augusta and HMS Merlin. Three American cannons were found buried at the site in 1935.
Near the Whitall House, there is a display of a chevaux-de-frise. This was a type of river defense made of sharp wooden spikes. It was used to stop enemy ships. You can also see cannonballs found on the battlefield. Several monuments honor the soldiers who fought here. One monument remembers the Hessian leader, Carl von Donop, who was buried on the grounds. There is also a tall, 75-foot (23 m) monument.
Brave Soldiers: African Americans and Native Americans
The 1st Rhode Island Regiment was a special group of American soldiers. They fought alongside other American troops at Red Bank. This regiment was unique because it included free African Americans, Native Americans, and even some enslaved people.
At that time, if an enslaved person joined the army, their owner would be paid for their freedom after the war. This meant that these soldiers were fighting for their own freedom as well as for the freedom of the new country.
There is a special marker at the battlefield. It tells the important story of these brave African American and Native American soldiers. They played a vital role in the American Revolution.
Important Burials
- Carl von Donop (1732–1777), a Hessian colonel who fought with the British. He died during the battle and is buried here.
In 2022, the remains of 13 Hessian soldiers were found at the northern end of the park. These soldiers are being studied by experts.
Visiting the Red Bank Battlefield
The park covers 44-acre (180,000 m2) and is open to visitors during daylight hours. You can visit the Whitall House during specific hours. Every October, there is a special event where people reenact the Battle of Red Bank. It's a great way to see history come alive!
See also
