Red Bank Battlefield Park

How to Get There

From Philadelphia (10 mi): Take I-95 south across the Delaware River into New Jersey, continue via I-295 and local roads toward National Park, then follow signs to the entrance at 1 Hessian Avenue along the Delaware River.

Overview

Red Bank Battlefield Park preserves the site of the Battle of Fort Mercer, one of the most important American victories of the Philadelphia Campaign during the Revolutionary War. On October 22, 1777, a force of Hessian troops allied with the British Army launched an assault against the American fortifications overlooking the Delaware River. Despite being heavily outnumbered, the defenders successfully repelled the attack, inflicting significant casualties and helping delay British efforts to secure control of the river approaches to Philadelphia. Today, visitors can explore the preserved battlefield, earthworks, memorials, and scenic riverfront grounds that interpret this crucial moment in the struggle for independence.

The park is also home to the historic James and Ann Whitall House, an eighteenth-century residence that witnessed the battle and now serves as a museum interpreting colonial life and Revolutionary War history. Walking paths lead visitors through landscaped grounds overlooking the Delaware River, while monuments and interpretive displays explain the battle's strategic importance and the diverse soldiers who defended the fort. Combining natural beauty, family-friendly amenities, and nationally significant history, the park offers an engaging experience for travelers interested in Revolutionary War heritage and the early history of the United States.

This article uses material from the Wikipedia articles and official tourism pages for the Red Bank Battlefield Park, which are released under the Creative Commons Attribution-Share-Alike License 3.0.