Ready to delve into a slice of American history? We are standing at Billingsport. This place might seem like a quiet park today. But it once played a crucial role in the birth of the United States.
Billingsport holds the distinction of being the first piece of land bought by the federal government. It was on July 5, 1776. Just a day after the Declaration of Independence. Margaret Paul and her son sold 96 acres to the Council of Safety of Philadelphia for 600 pounds. This land became strategically vital during the Revolutionary War.
In 1777, troops from various colonies erected a fort here. They came from Virginia, Pennsylvania, South Carolina, and New Jersey. The Polish patriot Kosciuszko designed it. This fort was part of a defense system for the Delaware River. Its primary purpose was to build and maintain chevaux-de-frise. These were obstacles to prevent British ships from reaching Philadelphia. Imagine poles 30 to 40 feet long. Each had a sharp iron point. They were designed to pierce the bottom of enemy vessels.
The defense system included fortifications. They were at strategic points on both sides of the river. A chain of alarm guns stretched from the Capes to Philadelphia. There was also a navy of armed row-galleys and seagoing ships. Two posts stood on the New Jersey side. Billingsport was one. The other was Fort Mercer at Red Bank.
George Washington and Lafayette inspected the fort on August 1, 1777. They commended the men for their work. Washington moved his men to Philadelphia. He knew Admiral Howe’s fleet was heading there. Lord Howe sailed up the Delaware. But the naval stockade at Billingsport stopped him. The outnumbered Americans later burned their barracks and went to Red Bank. Billingsport was the tenth alarm post on the Delaware. It had a small cannon to warn other posts of enemy ships. The enemy briefly occupied the fort. But they evacuated it in 1777.
Billingsport’s fort saw action again in the War of 1812. The Blues of Gloucester County occupied it. This was a volunteer infantry regiment. Randall Sparks led them. General Elmer’s Brigade assembled at Billingsport. They stayed for three or more months. After peace, the fort was deserted and forgotten.
Later, Esso Oil Company erected a monument to mark the site. It is now known as Humble Oil and Refining Company.
But there is more to the story. The British knew they could not sail up the Delaware River. They decided to invade Philadelphia by a different route. They sailed up the Chesapeake. They marched fifty miles to Philadelphia. The British took Philadelphia on September 26, 1777.
General Washington ordered the evacuation of Fort Billingsport. This was on September 28. British troops marched from Philadelphia to capture the fort. Colonel William Bradford ordered an evacuation of the 112 men in the fort on October 2. Lieutenants William Barney and Dennis Leary safely evacuated the men and ammunition.
The British took control of the fort. Their goal was to dismantle the chevaux-de-frise. They wanted to allow ships to bring supplies to Philadelphia.
Billingsport was not only the first Federal Land Purchase. It was General Thaddeus Kosciuszko’s first engineering assignment in America. A plaque pays tribute to Kosciuszko’s role.
Today, you can visit this historic site. It is now a public park. You will find monuments, picnic tables, and a great view of the Delaware River. Take a moment to reflect on the events that shaped a nation. Think about the soldiers, engineers, and patriots who stood here before us. Billingsport is a reminder of the sacrifices made for American independence.