The Delaware River in 1777
To protect Philadelphia from sea attack, Pennsylvania had started construction of Delaware River defenses in September of 1775. Rows of underwater obstructions called cheveaux-de-frise were placed across the main channel that large British warships would have to use.Later, Congress ordered construction of 3 forts and other gun emplacements to prevent the enemy from removing the obstructions and reaching Philadelphia.
An unfinished British fort on Fort Island, on the Pennsylvania side was strengthened and renamed Fort Mifflin.
On the Jersey side, the first lines of cheveaux-de-frise enemy ships would encounter were to be protected by an earthen fort at Billingsport.
Across the river from Fort Mifflin, the high ground of Red Bank was chosen for Fort Mercer.
Brief History of the Battle of Red Bank
Late in September 1777, Philadelphia was captured by British General William Howe, but extensive American river defenses blocked the shipping of food and supplies to the British army and citizens of Philadelphia.The British planned an attack against the garrison at Fort Mercer. A British brigade of about 1200 Hessians under Colonel Carl Emil Ulrich Von Donop was ferried over to Coopers Ferry (now Camden) spending the night in Haddonfield, NJ.
On the morning of October 22, 1777, Colonel Von Donop and his brigade marched on Fort Mercer.
Young James Cattell, an apprentice blacksmith, alerted Colonel Christopher Greene that a surprise attack was imminent. Around 4:00 p.m., the attack began.
Quickly gaining the old northern section of the fort, the Hessians faced another 10 foot wall and abatis of sharpened tree trunks and branches. The Hessians tried to move forward, but the Americans gained the advantage and held the fort. Hessian casualties amounted to over 500, including the mortally wounded Von Donop; while Americans counted 14 killed and 23 wounded out of 600.
Many of the wounded were taken into the Whitall house where they were tended by American doctors and Ann Whitall, who had remained in her home. Colonel Von Donop died in another house nearby and was interred with remains of his brigade on the battlefield.
The Battle of Red Bank in October 1777 resulted in heavy losses to the British and was a much needed morale builder to Washington's army, giving new hope and rallying the spirits of the soldier. This victory coupled with the British defeat at Saratoga, New York, resulted in the French decision to enter the war against Great Britain. News of a second siege caused the Americans to destroy the fort and leave the property on November 24, 1777.
Brief History of the Whitall House
James Whitall, a wealthy Quaker farmer and merchant, and his wife Ann Cooper built the main brick section in 1748.On April 16, 1777, the Pennsylvania militia commandeered the farm and built Fort Mercer in the northern apple orchard. That day Colonel Christopher Greene had arrived to command the fort and used a portion of the house as military quarters.
On October 22, 1777, when the attack began on Fort Mercer, family members fled to Woodbury, but Ann Whitall refused to abandon her home. When a cannonball broke through the north wall, according to legend, Ann calmly carried her spinning wheel to the cellar and continued to spin. The house, left intact, was used as a hospital after the battle. Ann remained to tend all the wounded Hessian and American soldiers.
Annual Events at the Red Bank Battlefield and Whitall House
Sunday, September 16, 2007, 1:00 p.m. - 4:00 p.m.Heritage Day at Red Bank Battlefield
The focus is on the Lenape Foodways and the 3 Sisters: Corn, Bean & Squash. It is an open house at Red Bank Battlefield and the Whithall House. Tour the Whitall House while costumed guides interpret each room. Be sure to stop in the kitchen and observe Hearth Cooking demonstrations. Guided tours of the riverfront and battlefield are offered. Admission is free.
Sunday, October 14, 2007 11:00 a.m. -4:00 p.m.
Red Bank Battlefield: 18th Century Field Day
In 1777 the patriots at Fort Mercer beat the odds and defeated the dreaded Hessians. Join historical reenactors for Field Day at Red Bank and help them celebrate this crucial American victory. Activities include re-enactments of the battle, a Revolutionary encampment, demonstrations of colonial crafts and trades, a food court and games for children. The Jonas Cattell Run will begin in Haddonfield and end at Red Bank. Admission is free.
December 7, 2007 7:00 p.m. - 9:00 p.m. & Sunday 8, 2007 3:00 p.m. - 9 p.m.
Candlelight Christmas at the Whitall House, Red Bank Battlefield
Share the festive spirit of the season and tour the Whitall House by the glow of candlelight. These special days feature natural decorations fashioned by the Ann Whitall Gardeners; living history activities, and music. Admission is free.
Red Bank Battlefield
100 Hessian Avenue,
National Park, N.J. 08063
856-853-5120
Directions
From Philadelphia & Points North:
- Take the North-South Freeway (Route 42) to I-295 South
- Exit 23 "National Park" make right onto Hessian Avenue (County Route 64)
- Approximately 2 miles Hessian Avenue ends at the park entrance.
- Take I-295 North to Exit 21 "Woodbury"
- Make left onto Delaware Street (County Route 640)
- Delaware Street ends at Grove Road (stop sign), County Route 643. Make right
- First traffic light at Hessian Avenue (County Route 642) make left Hessian Avenue ends at park entrance.
- Take 322 West into Glassboro
- Make right onto Route 47 (Delsea Drive)
- At 5 points intersection, take jug handle and continue on Route 47
- Take Route 47 into Deptford, at the intersection of Cooper Street (County Route 640) make a left
- Follow Cooper Street through Woodbury past the County Court House Cooper Street becomes Delaware Street, but remain on County Route 640.
- Follow Delaware Street till it dead-ends at Grove Road (County Route 643), at stop sign make a right
- At the first traffic light, make a left onto Hessian Avenue (County Route 642). Hessian Avenue ends at Park entrance.
