Just a few weeks before the 245th anniversary of the Battle of Bound Brook, huzzahs rang out as dignitaries and friends gathered at Bridgewater’s Van Horne House to unveil Crossroads of the American Revolution-branded interpretive signage on March 27, 2022. Watch the ceremony here.
Joining Crossroads Executive Director in the ceremony were Heritage Trail Association President Cindy Blumenkranz, Somerset County Commissioner Deputy Director Melonie Marano, and Crossroads Trustee and NJM Insurance Group’s Andrew Musick.
The signage offers 24 hour a day, 7 day a week access to the home’s link to Revolutionary War history, as well as capsule accounts of the nearby Battle of Bound Brook and the Winter 1778-1779 Middlebrook Cantonment. The Van Horne House was headquarters to General William Alexander, Lord Stirling, one of the five generals who resided in Somerset County homes that season.
“Our county is taking a very concentrated effort on tourism right now,” said Marano, sharing plans to make the area’s historic homes more accessible on foot and bicycle. “We’re right across the street from a wonderful venue,” she said, indicating Patriots Park. “Come here during the day to learn about history and in the evening go across the street and see a fabulous ball game with our New York Yankee affiliate Somerset Patriots.”
“Signage is one of the many ways we’re working to promote New Jersey’s Revolutionary heritage and to prepare for what we hope will be a massive influx of visitors to the state during the 250th anniversary of the United States in 2026,” said Selinger. “Ultimately, we are hoping that our shared Revolutionary heritage will be a source of pride for New Jersey residents and an economic driver for our communities during the 250th and beyond.”
Musick noted NJM Insurance Group’s enduring support of the state’s historic assets and Crossroads’ signage program as the landmark anniversary approaches. “This is the third Crossroads sign that NJM has sponsored at New Jersey Revolutionary heritage sites, the other two being in Trenton—at the Trent House and Old Barracks,” he said. “NJM recognizes New Jersey’s position as the Crossroads of the American Revolution and looks forward to reinforcing this important role as the state prepares for the 250th.”
Also representing Somerset County government were Commissioner Director Shanel Robinson, Commissioner Paul Drake, Cultural & Heritage President Rory Britt, Office of Planning, Policy and Economic Development Director Walter Lane, Cultural & Heritage Commissioner Manager Kaitlin Bundy and Historic Sites Coordinator Tom D’Amico.
The Van Horne House sign is the eighth Crossroads-branded interpretive panel to be installed at a New Jersey Revolutionary heritage site. Visit our signage program web page for more information on the Crossroads signage program and sponsorship opportunities.
