1776
In the early stages of the war, New Jersey's militia was actively organizing to defend the coastline. Captain Elias Longstreet’s company of the 1st New Jersey Regiment, having reached full strength, marched from Freehold to Perth Amboy before moving on to Elizabeth to bolster defenses against potential British naval incursions.
British naval forces under Captain James Wallace engaged in a three-hour battle with Rhode Island militia for possession of islands in Narragansett Bay.
1777
One of the most poignant events in New Jersey's revolutionary history occurred on this day in Princeton. Brigadier General Hugh Mercer, a close friend of George Washington, died from his wounds nine days after being brutally bayoneted during the Battle of Princeton on January 3. Legend states that after being wounded, Mercer refused to leave the field and leaned against a white oak tree to continue directing his men. This tree became a legendary symbol of the revolution and is featured on the official seal of Mercer County, which is named for the Brigadier General.
1780
During the second major winter encampment at Morristown National Historical Park (Jockey Hollow), the Continental Army was fighting for its very existence. By mid-January 1780, the “Hard Winter” was at its peak - a series of massive blizzards had blocked all supply roads by snowdrifts up to six feet high. Soldiers were near starvation with many reportedly eating their own shoes or birch bark to survive as multi-day blizzards blocked all supply routes. From his headquarters at the Ford Mansion, Washington issued desperate pleas to New Jersey officials for emergency grain and cattle to prevent the army from dissolving.
1781
A British colonel received accurate news of American General Daniel Morgan’s location, beginning the hard march that would lead to the pivotal Battle of Cowpens, South Carolina just five days later.
2026 Commemorations in New Jersey
As part of the America 250 celebrations in New Jersey today, January 12, 2026:
- Princeton Battlefield State Park (Princeton): Special wreath-laying ceremonies and historical tours are held annually at the Thomas Clarke House to commemorate General Mercer’s death.
- Morristown Tours (Morristown): National Park rangers are leading guided "Hard Winter" walks at Jockey Hollow to illustrate the brutal conditions faced by the troops on this date in 1780.