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.
Johann Gottlieb Rall, a veteran German officer, commanded the Hessian garrison at Trenton despite concerns about its vulnerability. On December 26, 1776, Washington's surprise attack led to Rall’s mortal wounding and the capture of his troops.
Charles Lee (February 6, 1732 - October 2, 1782) was a Major General in the American Revolutionary War. He was second-in-command to General George Washington, though he was known for his efforts to undermine General Washington. In 1780, Lee formally resigned from the Continental Army and retired to Philadelphia.
A Scottish exile turned American Patriot, Hugh Mercer rose from a fugitive of the Battle of Culloden to a trusted officer under George Washington. Mortally wounded while rallying his men at Princeton, his sacrifice became a symbol of American perseverance in the Revolution.
The commander-in-chief of British forces in North America, Howe is now known for his failure to quell the revolution in the colonies during its early years and return loyalty to the British crown.
