Come to Bound Brook and South Bound Brook (NJ) for a Weekend of Living History!
The festivities begin Friday evening and end Sunday late afternoon.
Click here to download the schedule of activities
The Battle of Bound Brook (April 13, 1777) was a surprise attack by British and Hessian forces against a Continental Army outpost at Bound Brook, New Jersey, during the American Revolutionary War. The British objective of capturing the entire garrison was not met, although prisoners were taken. The U.S. commander, Major General Benjamin Lincoln, left in great haste, abandoning papers and personal effects.
Late on the evening of April 12, 1777, four thousand British and Hessian troops under the command of Lieutenant General Charles Cornwallis marched from the British stronghold of New Brunswick. All but one detachment reached positions surrounding the outpost before the battle began near daybreak the following day. During the battle, most of the 500-man garrison escaped by the unblocked route. U.S. reinforcements arrived in the afternoon, but not before the British plundered the outpost and began the return march to New Brunswick.
Key: Bound Brook (BB) South Bound Brook (SBB) Bridgewater (BW)
Friday
6 - 8 PM “Annual *Wine and Cheese Fundraiser with a Special Historic Unveiling! “by the Heritage Trail Association. Period music by the Enslows, food, fun, and frivolity! $50.00pp. Alcohol being served. No one under 21 admitted. At Historic Van Horne House, 941 E. Main St, Bridgewater, NJ 08807. Register via Eventbrite www.heritagetrail.org. Questions: call Cindy 310-691-9388.
Saturday
10:30 - 11:30 Re-enactment of the American Revolution Battle of April 13, 1777! The Battle Begins Re-enactment #1 Soldiers March and Fight on the Old Stone Arch Bridge and Queens Bridge to Reenact “The Battle of Bound Brook!!” Loyalist troops attack and push the Patriot Forces in a Retreat up Bolmer Avenue to the cemetery.
11:30 - 11:45 Ceremony - Old Presbyterian Graveyard next to Bound Brook Memorial Library, 402 E. High St., BB 08805. NJ Society of the Sons of the American Revolution Color Guard NJSSAR.org Special Exhibits at the SCLSNJ’s Bound Brook Branch Memorial Public Library, Open to Public Sat Saturday, 10AM-6PM
11:45 - 1 PM Lunch for Soldiers – Hamilton Street, Bound Brook – Socialize with American, British and Hessian Soldiers
12:30- 3:30 “The 5th Annual Battle & Brews Guided History Tour + Pub Crawl” 10 Hamilton St., Bound Brook, 21+. Meet in front of Brook Arts Center. Come for the Battle and stay for the Brews! Free Register required at this link.
1:30 PM - 2:30 PM Battle Re-enactment #2 – British & American Battle Starting from Queen’s Bridge at Elm & Main St. in South Bound Brook to Maple St. South Bound Brook
2:30 PM - 4 PM - Soldiers return to 18th c. Soldiers Encampment ~ Historic Abraham Staats House, 17 von Steuben Lane, South Bound Brook. Grounds open to Public free. In Camp: 18th c. military life, exhibits and drills. NJ Society of the Sons of the American Revolution Cannon NJSSAR.org. Historic House Tours admittance for tour, demo & lecture. “Rug Hooking” by Hunterdon County Rug Artisans’ Guild New Jersey hcrag.com. $10pp, 18 & under Free. Tickets - Eventbrite at www.staatshouse.org or 732-369-3583. Encampment Closes to Public at 4 pm.
7 PM - 10 PM - “The Annual Publick Ball hosted by Philip Van Horne and Heritage Trail Association.” Live music by Anne & Ridley Enslow Dance Master Lazarus Turner calls the dances. $10pp. $5pp reenactors in period dress. At Historic Van Horne House, 941 E. Main St, Bridgewater, NJ 08807. Register via Eventbrite www.heritagetrail.org. Questions: call Cindy 310-691-9388.
Sunday
7:30 AM - 12 PM Breakfast Buffet at South Bound Brook Fire Company #1 Firehouse, 83 Edgewood Terrace, SBB. Free to registered re-enactors. Adults: $12; Seniors: $10; under age ten: $8; under age 5: free. www.sbbfd.com
7:30 AM - 12 PM 18th c. Soldiers Encampment ~ Historic Abraham Staats House, 17 von Steuben Lane, South Bound Brook. Grounds open to Public FREE NJSSAR Cannon/Drills/Camp life. Historic House admittance includes tours, lecture.
12:30 PM General George Washington as portrayed by Sam Davis presents “The Treacherous Spring of 1777” -$10 pp, 18 & Under FREE. Tickets for house via Eventbrite - www.staatshouse.org or 732-369-3583.
Soldiers Drills on the grounds of the Abraham Staats House. Watch the American and British Soldiers as they perform military maneuvers of the American Revolution.
General George Washington Presents “The Treacherous Spring of 1777” - $10 per person, 18 & Under FREE. Share the audience with reenactors! Historic House Tours admittance includes tour and lecture. Register www.staatshouse.org or 732-369-3583.
Battle Re-enactment #3 on the grounds of the Abraham Staats House. Watch the American and British soldiers as they perform military maneuvers of the American Revolution.
Battle, Encampment and House Closes to Public at 4 pm.
The Battle of Bound Brook Living History Weekend is made possible by funds from the Somerset County Cultural & Heritage Commission, a partner of the New Jersey State Council on the Arts and New Jersey Historical Commission and the Borough of South BoundBrook and Borough of Bound Brook.
The Friends of Abraham Staats House, Inc. is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization that has received grant support made possible by funds from the Somerset County Cultural & Heritage Commission, a partner of the New Jersey State Council on the Arts and New Jersey Historical Commission and the Borough of SouthBound Brook.
Color Guard details, contact Frank McGonigle frank.mcgonigle@comcast.net * 908-561-0669
