THIS MONTH'S FEATURED QUESTION ABOUT NEW JERSEY HISTORY
Dear NJHM:
What is the historical significance of Red Bank Battlefield?
CLH
Dear CLH:
We are not sure of what you mean by "historical significance." The Red Bank Battlefield was the area around an earthen redoubt named Fort Mercer during the Revolutionary War. It is located in National Park (near Woodbury) in Gloucester County, and no where near Red Bank in Monmouth County. Shortly after the British occupied the city of Philadelphia, General Howe sent approximately 2000 Hessian soldiers to Red Bank (the one in Gloucester, not Monmouth County) to destroy the American Fort which was defended by 400 men. On October 22, 1777 the British attacked, and after a short but fierce battle were forced to retreat. The American forces were led by Colonial Christopher Greene (not Nathaniel as some sources state), and the Hessians were led by Count Carl Emil Kurt von Donop. Both sides fought with incredible bravery, and the battle was described as, "One of the most glorious stands ever made by patriots fighting for home of country." The finally casualty count was 200+ Hessians killed (including Count von Donop), wounded or captured, and 37 Americans.
Although the battle helped to lift the morale of the patriot troops and colonists, it was not especially significant from a military point of view. Less than a month later, General Nathaniel Greene ordered Fort Mercer abandoned and burned when nearby Fort Mifflin was taken by British, and Fort Mercer could no longer be defended. Colonial Greene was honored with a sword by Congress for his victory, but never lived to receive it. He was killed in a skirmish with Tories in 1781 in Croton, New York.
Hope this helps, and let us know if you require any additional
information. Good Luck!
SOURCE
Historical Collection of the State of New Jersey
By: John W. Barber & Henry Howe
Benjamin Olds, Newark, NJ, 1844
Reprint: Bergen Historic Books, 1997