Located across the street from The Millburn Mall, and beside B’nai Israel Temple, lies a significant landmark: the site which brought the American forces face to face with the British forces during the Battle of Springfield on June 23, 1780. It was here that the Americans, consisting of continental dragoons and the militia of this and surrounding neighborhoods, under Colonel “Light Horse” Harry Lee, Colonel Matthias Ogden, and Captain George Walker, encountered the right column of the British forces which were being led to an attack on General Greene at Short Hills, and maintained the contest until the enemy diverted his course.
The small bridge- connecting the township of Union and the township of Millburn- is, in fact, the very location of this notable site. It is a historical landmark, preserved and honored with copper plates alongside the bridge, which detail the events that took place during the battle. To me, this site is noteworthy because it conveys how much history has taken place in our own backyard.
Wow, I never knew that. I am sure that most of us drive over that bridge all the time and never knew about it is an important historical landmark. I always knew that a battle had taken place and that George Washington himself stood at the top of the south mountain reservation to watch the battle of Springfield play out.
ReplyDeleteHmmm another important historical landmark right in our town. I drive on this bridge pretty often and of course, never knew of its historical importance. It's interesting to think that a location which was once used as a meeting grounds during the Battle of Springfield, is now a well travelled traffic bridge. It really shows how much Millburn's streets and their purposes have changed over time.
ReplyDeleteI don't ever remember seeing this bridge, but it could be that I'm oblivious to little things like this when I drive. It's amazing to find out how many landmarks there are in our town, especially from the American Revolution. I would love to go and explore all around New Jersey and check out other historical landmarks like this one.
ReplyDeleteI have seen that bridge many times and never knew any of the information you shared with us. I think its great that we have such important history right in the backyard of out town. Over the years we have made many field trips out of our way to visit important historical sites of our nation. However with just a little bit of research you can visit impressive historical sites right near your homes. From now on when I pass that bridge instead of it having no significance i will be aware of the historical events that occurred there.
ReplyDeleteThis historical sight is literally a two minute walk from my house. A couple years ago, I actually took the time to read the sign and see what it was about. It blows my mind to think that there was a battle so close to our homes.
ReplyDeleteWow, I didn't know something I drive over almost everyday is a landmark. Its crazy to think major battles happened right in our town. I never saw the honor plates on the bridge, I will definitely need to stop next time I go by.
ReplyDeleteI recently drove passed this area and had no idea the significance of this bridge. It is great to know that there are such amazing historical sights are right around us. I would love to keep searching our town for historical sightings like this
ReplyDeleteI knew that this bridge was a historic site, but I didn't know exactly what happened. It is amazing to think that before Millburn/ Short Hills was developed there were so many battles going on all over town.
ReplyDeleteI drive over this bridge just about everyday but I have never taken the time to read the sign that is there. I can't believe that there were so many battles that took place right in our town. It is crazy to think that so many historical figures once fought on the land we now live on.
ReplyDeleteI had no idea about the significance of this bridge and I couldn't even tell you how many times I've driven on it or by it. Really cool historical landmark that I never even knew existed. It's weird to think about how many other places of historical significance there are near us that we've never even noticed.
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