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.
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.
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.
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.
Anthony Wayne, dubbed "Mad Anthony," was a bold Revolutionary War general, key in victories like Stony Point and Fallen Timbers. His fiery reputation earned him his nickname. He died in 1796 in Presque Isle, Pennsylvania.
Molly Pitcher remains more legend than fact, but Mary Ludwig Hays closely matches the most famous tale of her bravery. From carrying water on the battlefield to manning a cannon at Monmouth, her story symbolizes the overlooked contributions of women in the American Revolution.
