Trail Sites

Liberty Trail Historic Sites

Discover the myriad of sites across The Liberty Trail where significant cultural and Revolutionary history unfolded. From military ruins to meticulously restored mansions, immerse yourself in the footsteps of our nation’s history-makers.

States of Interest:
New Jersey
Historic Site
South Bound Brook, NJ
New Jersey
Historic Site
Morristown, NJ

The Arnold Tavern, constructed in the mid-18th century, served as Washington's headquarters from January - May 1777

New Jersey
Historic Site | Historic House
Princeton, NJ

A hidden gem in the borough of Princeton, the Bainbridge House was constructed in the mid-1760s and stands as a hallmark of colonial architecture...

New Jersey
Historic Site
Elizabeth, NJ
New Jersey
Historic Site
New Brunswick, NJ
New Jersey
Historic Site
Union, NJ

The Caldwell Parsonage is a site of tragedy outside of the battlefield of Connecticut Farms & Springfield. The events that transpired that day still...

New Jersey
Historic Site
Elizabeth, NJ
New Jersey
Historic Site
Springfield, NJ
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States of Interest

Liberty Trail History Makers

The Revolutionary War was a war unlike any other — one of ideas and ideals, that shaped “the course of human events. Explore the history and personalities from this pivotal time in American history.
Biography

Colonel Samuel Griffin, a Virginia lawyer and officer in the Continental Army, played a key role in the 1776 campaign, leading militia units in New Jersey and engaging the Hessians near Mount Holly. Stricken by illness during critical battles, he later served as mayor of Williamsburg and a U.S. congressman after the war.

Biography

Joining the American Revolution prior to France's formal entrance into the war, the Marquis de Lafayette served as one of George Washington's most trusted generals.

Biography

Carl von Donop, a Hessian colonel, sought glory in the American Revolution but blundered at Trenton—possibly distracted by a "beautiful widow." To redeem himself, he led a doomed assault on Fort Mercer in 1777, suffering fatal wounds. Arrogant and unpopular, his American dream ended in defeat by the Delaware River.

Biography

Peter Salem, an emancipated Black man who fought as a minuteman, is credited with a significant role in the Battle of Bunker Hill and later served in multiple campaigns during the Revolutionary War.

We invite you to visit the preserved locations along the Liberty Trail and to immerse yourself in the extraordinary events that determined the fate of a nation.
Historic Site |
Glendora, NJ
Gabriel Daveis Tavern Historical Marker Database Built in 1756, the Gabreil Daveis Tavern is an outstanding example of vernacular Georgian style. The tavern house was built to accommodate travelers...
Historic Site |
Annandale, NJ
Christopher Vought House New Jersey Historic Trust In 1759, Christoffel Vought purchased 285 acres near the Union Iron Works and built this stone house. During the War for Independence, the Voughts...
Historic Site |
Newark, NJ
Looking southeast at the southwestern section of Gutzon Borglum's Wars of America statue in Military Park. Jim Henderson Laid out in 1666 by Puritan settlers led by Robert Treat as the “Middle Commons...
Historic Site | State/County Park
Barnegat, NJ

On December 27, 1782, Patriot forces under Captain Richard Shreve and Captain Edward Thomas were surprised at a tavern by Loyalist raider Captain John Bacon, igniting a sharp skirmish. Though the militia gained the advantage, aid from local Loyalists allowed the wounded Bacon to escape, leaving casualties on both sides and marking what is believed to be the last land engagement of the American Revolution.

Historic Site |
Springfield, NJ
The Cannonball House Historical Marker Database The Battle of Springfield took place in late June of 1780 as part of a second attempt by British forces to invade New Jersey and destroy the army of...
Historic Site |
South Bound Brook, NJ
Abraham Staats House Historical Marker Database The Staats House, located in South Bound Brook, New Jersey, is an 18th-century Dutch Colonial home with strong ties to the Revolutionary War. Built by...
National Park | Historic Site
Morristown, NJ

Jockey Hollow, the site of General Washington’s winter encampment in 1779-1780, played a key role in forging the Continental Army's strength and unity. The nearby Wick House, once home to Major General Arthur St. Clair, now stands as a historic landmark, offering a glimpse into the hardships and strategies of that fateful winter.

Battlefield | State/County Park
Manalapan, NJ

The Battle of Monmouth took place on June 28, 1778, between the Continental Army and British forces, and is now preserved as Monmouth Battlefield State Park.

Battlefield | Fort/Outpost
Fort Lee, NJ

Located along the banks of the Hudson, outnumbered Patriot forces quickly evacuated this site on November 20, 1776, as the British army advanced on their position.

Historic Site | Historic House
River Edge, NJ

Known for having the "Bridge that Saved the Nation," these grounds were once traversed by George Washington and the battered Continental Army as it retreated from New York

Historic Site |
Haddonfield, NJ

Step into the Indian King Tavern, where revolutionaries once gathered, laws were forged, and history was made. This legendary Haddonfield landmark saw New Jersey declare its independence, adopt its Great Seal, and host both Patriots and British forces in a high stakes struggle for America’s future.

Historic Site |
Elizabeth, NJ
Elizabeth Courthouse and Revolutionary War Canon Historical Marker Database Cast in Strasbourg in 1758, King Louis XV of France sent this gun to Canada to defend Quebec. When the city surrendered the...