Washington Rock State Park

You are standing on a rocky outcrop that was a strategic lookout for General George Washington during the Revolutionary War. At that time, the land was mostly fields and meadows offering a clear view for 30 miles. In June of 1777, the ability to monitor British troop movements from this location proved crucial to the survival of the Continental Army.

In the spring of 1777, over 8,000 Continental troops were camped in the Watchung Mountains - 3 miles to your right. The high elevation and mountainous terrain provided good defensive cover for Washington's army. Despite several attempts by British General Howe to entice them down onto level ground to fight, General Washington refused to move from his secure mountain stronghold.

Frustrated that his tactics had failed, Howe moved his troops to Perth Amboy and then to Staten Island. The following day, observing that the coast was clear, Washington sent a contingent of men down to Quibbletown (now the New Market section of Plainfield).

Hearing of Washington's movements, Howe recalled his troops and organized and led a division to attack Quibbletown. General Cornwallis took another British division to circle behind the Continentals and cut off their retreat route to the mountains.

Watching these maneuvers from this lookout and realizing what the British were attempting, Washington ordered his troops to return immediately and refortify their mountain positions. This action assuredly saved the Continental Army from a disastrous defeat.

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Show me all markers in:  Scotch Plains, NJ  |  Somerset County  |  07076  |  New Jersey  |  United States of America

Washington Rock
Washington Rock
Site of the Blue Hills Fort and Camp
World War II 50th Anniversary Commemorative Memorial
Drake House
Drake House Flag Pole
Mt. Bethel Meeting House
Samptown Cemetery
Plainfield Garden Club
First Baptist Church of South Plainfield

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