Know Before You Go
This "Know Before You Go" is brought to you by Nicholas Ferroni, a New Jersey born-and-bred teacher who is the host of our series Historically Correct.
Every town has a history — and my hometown of Union, along with our neighbor Springfield, may not appear in history books alongside Trenton, Saratoga, or Yorktown, but what happened here was just as significant to the American Revolution.
If you want to walk in the footsteps of Revolutionary War history, there’s no better place to start than Union and Springfield, New Jersey — home to two pivotal battles that helped protect both the young nation’s capital at Philadelphia and the Continental Army’s encampment at Morristown. The Battle of Connecticut Farms (June 7, 1780) and the Battle of Springfield (June 23, 1780) were among the last major engagements fought in the northern colonies, and they played a crucial role in ending British hopes of crushing the Revolution from the north.
Take The Liberty Trail to the Hannah Caldwell Parsonage in Union. This historic home tells the story of Hannah Caldwell, wife of Reverend James Caldwell, who was tragically killed during the Battle of Connecticut Farms. Her death became a rallying cry for patriot forces throughout New Jersey. The parsonage, carefully preserved and interpreted, offers visitors a vivid glimpse into the hardships faced by families on the home front during the war.
Just a short walk away stands the Connecticut Farms Presbyterian Church, which was burned by British troops during the battle and later rebuilt. In its peaceful churchyard, you can still find the graves of British soldiers who fell that day — a solemn reminder of the human cost on both sides of the conflict.
Continue your visit in nearby Springfield at the Cannon Ball House, another Revolutionary landmark that withstood fierce fighting during the Battle of Springfield. A British cannonball struck the home — and the scar remains visible today. Inside, the house has been restored and now serves as a museum filled with artifacts, documents, and stories that bring the 1780 battle to life.
Together, these sites form a vital part of The Liberty Trail, guiding visitors through New Jersey’s Revolutionary past — where ordinary towns became extraordinary testaments to America’s fight for independence.
