“Bridge that Saved a Nation.” That’s quite a title. We are standing at Historic New Bridge Landing. It is a place of pivotal importance during the Revolutionary War. This site preserves a fragment of the New Jersey Dutch countryside.
Historic New Bridge Landing served multiple roles. It was a battleground, a fort, and an encampment. It even functioned as a military headquarters. Also, it was an intelligence gathering post.
The “New Bridge” was a wooden bridge. It spanned the Hackensack River. This bridge became a strategic point. Armies moved across New Jersey. Their movements often depended on the location of bridges.
Let’s rewind to November 19-20, 1776. British troops invaded New Jersey. They crossed the Hudson River from New York. The Continental Army had to evacuate their camp at Fort Lee. They began a twelve-day retreat across New Jersey. British forces pursued them.
The Continental Army reached New Bridge late on November 20. They crossed the Hackensack River. This saved them from being trapped. The rear guard stayed at New Bridge. The next morning, British troops attacked. The American rear guard fought bravely. They suffered many casualties. They were forced to retreat.
General George Washington described the escape as vital. He wrote a letter to New Jersey Governor William Livingston. He emphasized the importance of securing the “Hackinsack Bridge.” He stated that it saved all his men.
Thomas Paine also recognized New Bridge’s significance. He wrote “These are the times that try men’s souls.” Paine mentioned the bridge over the Hackensack in “The American Crisis.”
New Bridge remained important throughout the war. Several other military incidents occurred here.
On May 18, 1779, a skirmish occurred at New Bridge. British troops attacked. They met resistance from American militiamen.
On August 18 and 19, 1779, about 400 American troops launched an attack. Henry “Light-Horse Harry” Lee led them. They targeted the British fort at Paulus Hook. They returned to New Bridge afterward.
In September 1780, Washington made his headquarters here. It was at Historic New Bridge Landing. About 14,000 American troops camped nearby. Kinderkamack ridge was their location.
After the war, the Zabriskie House was given to General Von Steuben. The State of New Jersey confiscated it. Jan Zabriskie was a Loyalist. In 1783, the state gave the house to Steuben. This recognized his service. Steuben later sold the house back to the Zabriskie family.
Today, Historic New Bridge Landing is a state historic site. The Steuben House still stands here. Other historic buildings have been moved here. One is the Campbell-Christie House. It was built around 1774.
An iron bridge spans the Hackensack River. It was built in 1889. It is the oldest surviving swing bridge in New Jersey. It marks the site of the Revolutionary-era wooden bridge.
You can take self-guided walking tours here. Explore the buildings. Experience the history of Historic New Bridge Landing. It is a testament to the struggles and triumphs of the American Revolution.