The Liberty Trail—New Jersey

​​Your Path on The Liberty Trail New Jersey

New Jersey played a major role in the fight for independence, from Washington’s daring crossing of the Delaware River to the Battle of Princeton. Its location caused the Continental and British armies to clash on this ground repeatedly throughout the War for Independence.

The Liberty Trail

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New Jersey Storytellers
Exploring the history and stories of the American Revolution.

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

Christopher Greene, a Rhode Island militia leader and cousin of Maj. Gen. Nathanael Greene, served with distinction during the American Revolution, including defending Fort Mercer and commanding the 1st Rhode Island Regiment. He was killed in action during a 1781 battle at Pines Bridge, remembered for his valor and the role of Black soldiers in his regiment.

Biography

In 1779, after a stalemate in the north, Cornwallis went south as second in command to Sir Henry Clinton. Clinton captured Charleston in May 1780. Cornwallis pressed on to defeat General Horatio Gates at Camden, South Carolina, on August 16, 1780.

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.

Biography

A former Revolutionary War captain, he led Shays' Rebellion in protest of economic hardships and oppressive taxation, which ultimately exposed the weaknesses of the Articles of Confederation and influenced the ratification of the U.S. Constitution.