When you think about Independence Day, images of parades, barbecues, and fireworks come to mind. Another one that should be conjured up is time traveling.
That day — and other days during the summer — are also a good time to explore the historic sites around North Jersey that will transport the public to the fight for America's independence from Great Britain.
Here are a few events (free of charge unless otherwise indicated) to consider:
Fort Lee Historic Park, Fort Lee
Fort Lee Historic Park will be opened on July 4. It is worth the visit to go back in time to the summer and fall of 1776 when this area of North Jersey was a key Revolutionary War battleground. From 10:30 to 1 p.m., the movie "1776," starring Ken Howard and William Daniels, will be screened in the auditorium of the Visitors Center. From 1:30 to 2:30 p.m., there will be a cannon firing and musket demonstration near the historic section of the park where there's a reconstructed officers’ hut.
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Go: Enter on Hudson Terrrace just south of the George Washington Bridge and opposite Bruce Reynolds Boulevard.There's a visitor center with information and context about this time in history. And the park also provides stunning views of the Hudson River and the George Washington Bridge. And there's metered parking. For more information about the Fort Lee Historic Park, visit njpalisades.org/fortlee.html or call (201) 461-1776.
Revolutionary War Sites, Essex County
North Jersey residents who want to soak up more Revolutionary War history on Independence Day can check out various sites as mapped out by local historian Al Frazza, a Little Falls resident, on hisRevolutionary War New Jerseywebsite.
Go: Some of those places in Essex County include the Battle of Second River Memorial in theBellevillesection of Branch Brook Park named for the battle that occurred in that area in 1777, Bloomfield Cemetery on Belleville Avenue on theBloomfield/Glen Ridgeborder that is the resting place of several Revolutionary War officers, and the Hessian House on Millburn Avenue inMillburnwhere it is believed a pair of Hessian officers hid during the Battle of Springfield in 1780.
New Bridge Historic Landing, River Edge
The old cliche, "George Washington slept here," definitely applies to this historic area near the Hackensack River served as an intelligence-gathering post, battleground and encampment ground and military headquarters for Washington's army. The Steuben House, located at the site, was where Washington stayed. New Bridge Historic Landing is also the site of the bridge used by Washington’s army during its retreat from invading British forces on Nov. 20, 1776, which saved him from defeat.
Go: 1201 Main St. in River Edge. The grounds are open daily from dawn to dusk for a self-guided walking tour, but the historic buildings at the New Bridge Historic Landing are open only for events. For more information, call 201-343-9492 (leave message on answering machine for the Bergen County Historical Society) or email: contactBCHS@bergencountyhistory.org
Morristown National Historical Park, Morristown
It's one thing to know about the Declaration of Independence. It is another to hear the words of this document that gave birth to a new nation. Morristown National Historical Park will celebrate the Declaration of Independence on July 4.
Starting at noon on the park's grounds, where General George Washington's army encamped in the winter of 1779-80, there will be a "Warm-Up for the Declaration" The Warm-Up will feature a park ranger in period clothing entertaining the crowd with stories and jokes and giving a "kids level" explanation of the Declaration. That's followed at 1 p.m. by a the "Public Reading of the Declaration of Independence" where visitors will be encouraged to cheer along with park rangers and re-enactor denouncing tyranny and praising liberty. After the reading, participants can join in a mock version of musket salute called a "feu de joie," where soldiers fire into the air sequentially in rapid succession.
Go: 30 Washington Place in Morristown. Visitors are asked to bring water to drink and a chair or a blanket to sit on the ground and dress appropriately for the weather. The event will happen rain or shine. Due to limited parking, guests are encouraged to carpool or walk to the event. For more information, visit nps.gov/morr/index.htm or contact Alexander Parody at (973) 539-2016 ext. 260.
Ricardo Kaulessar covers race, immigration, and culture for NorthJersey.com. For unlimited access to the most important news from your local community, please subscribe or activate your digital account today.
Email: kaulessar@northjersey.com
Twitter: @ricardokaul
