The Revolutionary War in Bergen County is talk topic

bergen record ^ | 11.18.14

[Coleus]

Park Ridge – The Pascack Historical Society will recognize the 238th anniversary of the beginning of the American Revolution (1776-1783) on Sunday, Sept. 28 when historian Todd W. Braisted speaks about "Bergen's Wars," in the Ellen Berdais Hall at the Society, 19 Ridge Ave. Admission is free and children are welcome when accompanied by an adult.

The American Revolution was fought extensively in Bergen County. Throughout the war, conflicts raged from Ramapo to Paulus Hook (Jersey City) and all points in between. Major massacres of colonists happened in Old Tappan (Baylor Massacre) and Closter. British troops pillaged and plundered local farms to feed their troops, leaving farmers and their families to face starvation. Neighbors could not trust neighbors.

Attendees will learn little known facts abut the daily loves of 18th century Pascack Valley people during this extraordinary and tumultuous time.

Braisted, past president of the Bergen County Historical Society, is an author, re-enactor and independent researcher of Loyal military studies. He has authored numerous journal articles and books and appeared as a guest historian on television shows including "History Detectives" on PBS and "Who Do You Think You Are." His latest book, "Bergen County Voices from the American Revolution," will be available for purchase.

Complimentary coffee and cake will be served. A question and answer period will follow Braisted's presentation.

For further information or directions, visit pascackhistoricalsociety.org or call 201-573-0307

[gr8eman]

Throughout the war, conflicts raged from Ramapo to Paulus Hook (Jersey City)

Maybe we should invite the British Army back to Jersey City. They can learn a whole lot in regards to fighting the muzzies over there!

[lastchance]

I have a copy of “Washington and His Army in Bergen County” written in 1957 by Arthur J. O’Dea. My dad was a history buff and passed that passion to me.

I remember the Steuben house.

[BlueYonder]

I went to high school in Old Tappan and never had a clue that there was once a major massacre there. Should someone have maybe mentioned this in, say, a history class?

[njslim]

Road I live on “RIFLE CAMP” is named for group of revolutionary rifleman who camped there guarding a pass through Watchung Hills during 1780 campaign

[21twelve]

My daughter asked her history teacher why he didn’t mention anything about 9-11 in class. He gave a snarky remark. They sure spent a lot of time on American Imperialism though.

[Oratam]

I’m going to look that one up!

[gusty]

It was called Baylor’s Massacre. A troop of Virginia Dragoons was encamped over on River Vale Rd. in River Vale. The British launched a sweep and caught them at night and assaulted the camp with bayonet only, like Paoli. I remember as a kid when the bodies of the victims were found at the bottom of a old well, this was in the early 1970’s, right where Old Tappan Rd meets River Vale Rd. They have a little park there now. The prisoners were brought to the church in Tappan, NY by the now 76 House, where they were interrogated by none other than Major Andre, who himself would hung by the neck just a few blocks away on the Northvale-Tappan, NY border.

[BlueYonder]

It’s been many years since I visited my old Bergen County stomping grounds. I’ve got to get back and pay more attention to its history when there. Your comments make me want to be there. Thanks.