Red Bank Battlefield Park

Red Bank Battlefield Park, an active historic battlefield and dig site in Gloucester County, sits on ancestral Lenni-Lenape land and was formerly the home of Quaker farmers James and Ann Whitall. This site offers a rich tapestry of history, reflecting South Jersey’s unique heritage and serving as a vital landmark in understanding the American Revolution, indigenous cultures, and 18th-century farming.

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Red Bank Battlefield is most renowned for its role in the Philadelphia Campaign of 1777, where Fort Mercer, located within the park, became a critical stronghold of the Continental Army. The Rhode Island Regiment, known for its racial and ethnic diversity, defended the Fort against British and Hessian forces advancing toward Philadelphia.

Led by Colonel Nathaniel Greene, the regiment comprised Native American, African American, Irish, and German soldiers, marking a profound moment of unity and sacrifice in the Revolution’s early years. The Battle of Red Bank is infamous for the heavy losses suffered by the Hessian forces, with over 300 casualties, underscoring the site’s strategic importance and enduring legacy in American history.

Beyond its Revolutionary War role, Red Bank Battlefield Park stands on ancestral Lenni-Lenape land, preserving the legacy of the indigenous people who first inhabited this region. The site was also home to Quaker settlers James and Ann Whitall, who embody the colonial era’s agricultural and social history. These intertwined narratives of indigenous culture, European settlement, and military engagement give the site a unique standing among South Jersey’s historical landmarks.

The site features three commemorative monuments honoring Revolutionary War soldiers, as well as interpretive markers throughout the grounds. In 2022, a monumental discovery was made by a member of the public—a union electrician— who discovered part of a femur during a public dig day in June of 2022. That discovery led to the unearthing of 15 Hessian soldiers on the Redbank Battlefield site, thrusting the park into the national spotlight .

 Click here to read more about the discoveries at Red Bank Battlefield. 

Red Bank Battlefield Park has a growing collection of media, including photographs, historical maps, and video interviews with historians. Plans are underway to expand digital resources, such as archival documents and oral histories, to further support the storytelling for a wider audience.

 Click here to Read more about Red Bank Battlefield documentation. 

Red Bank Battlefield Park collaborates with local schools, cultural organizations, and festivals to promote South Jersey’s rich historical narrative. Programs with Revolution NJ and partnerships with Gloucester County’s history network amplify the reach of the Park’s story, ensuring its relevance for students, history enthusiasts, and the broader community. The Park’s social media channels and newsletters keep local and regional audiences informed about events, volunteer opportunities, and historical insights.

• Red Bank Battlefield showcases the bravery, resilience, and diversity of those who fought in the Revolutionary War.

• Recent archaeological discoveries, including Hessian soldier remains, offer visitors a tangible connection to the past.

• Collaborative programs and events make the park a vital educational and cultural resource in South Jersey.

Red Bank Battlefield Park invites visitors to uncover South Jersey’s rich history through its self-guided walking trails, interactive exhibits, and engaging annual events. Explore the Whitall House, stroll through its historic gardens, and immerse yourself in stories of the Lenni-Lenape, colonial settlers, and Revolutionary War soldiers.

Visitors are encouraged to participate in annual events, including reenactments and Candlelight Tours. Support the park by donating or volunteering to help with preservation efforts. Experience the trails and interpretive signage that connect the past and present.

Discover the depth and diversity of history at Red Bank Battlefield Park. Plan your visit today to engage with this dynamic site, where stories of resilience, community, and innovation come to life.

Detailed visitor information is available on the  Gloucester County website . *Always check with the site directly when planning your visit!

Red Bank Battlefield Park Address: 100 Hessian Avenue National Park, NJ 08063 Contact Phone: 856-853-5120  Contact:  Jen Janofsky at jjanofsky@co.gloucester.nj.us  Rowan Partnership Site Coordinator, Whitall House Hours: Red Bank Battlefield and Park is open daily from sunrise to sunset.  Whitall House is open for tours from April 6 to October 22, Thursday through Sunday, from 11:00 am to 3:00 pm, and remains closed from November - March.  Butterfly House Tours are available Thursday through Sunday from 10:00 am - 12:30 pm.

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