ADVENTURE
Life Lessons
By Ben Anderson

A trip to New Jersey’s American Revolutionary War battlefields can open your eyes to the hardships of armed conflict—and the value of peace.

As I approach Monmouth Battlefield State Park in New Jersey, I see rows of white tents, hundreds of people in 18th-century dress, stacks of muskets, horses, wagons and cannons. I hear a fife and drum, and smell the scents of roasting meat and campfire smoke. It’s as if I have stepped back in time to the American Revolutionary War battle of Monmouth, although I know it’s only a re-enactment.

I’m visiting battlefields in Trenton, Princeton and Monmouth, all located in central New Jersey, as well as nearby sites where the Continental Army spent three winters.

New Jersey can justly claim the title of “Crossroads of the American Revolution.” George Washington’s army spent more of the war here than in any other state. And the pivotal “Ten Crucial Days” of the Revolution occurred here. After a series of defeats in 1776 that led to the loss of New York City and a retreat across New Jersey, the American cause had reached its nadir. Then, in 10 days, everything changed. Washington won three victories—two at Trenton and one at Princeton—and reversed the tide of the war.

The battle of Monmouth, about 30 miles east of the Trenton and Princeton areas, was a proving ground for the restructured American Army. In one of the biggest battles of the war, the patriots proved themselves equal to the British.

The scenery near the Princeton and Monmouth battle sites looks much as it must have more than 200 years ago. At Monmouth, landscapers are re-creating Revolution-era fences, lanes and fields, and restoring period houses. As a result, I can easily imagine the historic events that took place here.

I sense the rhythms of daily life at the Johnson Ferry House, with its 18th-century furnishings and fruit orchards. The house is one of several historic sites and restored homes you can visit along the battlefield route. At the Old Barracks Museum, a British colonial barracks with restored officers’ quarters, I walk in the bootsteps of long-gone redcoats.

At the restored encampment in Morristown, I gain a fresh perspective on the wretched conditions the common soldiers endured. The second winter at Morristown belongs to a period soldiers called the “starving time,” as supplies were extremely scarce.

Here amid the serenity of yesterday’s battlefields and encampments, I reflect on the sacrifices of so many and appreciate the freedoms we so often take for granted today.

Battlefields, encampments, restored 18th-century homes—it’s all here in New Jersey. Voyageur Copy Editor Ben Anderson enjoys traveling through time whenever possible.

Stately Stop

Another home that you should visit along the battlefield route is the elegant, Morven mansion in Princeton, home to a signer of the Declaration of Independence and five New Jersey governors.

Strategic Withdrawals

Following your march through history, you’ll enjoy the comforts of the Radisson Hotel Princeton, not far from Morven Mansion and the Princeton battlefield. This hotel offers premier meeting and banquet options. There are also five other Radissons in New Jersey and three in the Greater Philadelphia area, including the elite and historic 545-room Radisson Plaza–Warwick Hotel Philadelphia.