Moorestown250

04/10/2026

ON THIS DAY: April 10, 1778: A Skirmish in Cinnaminson?

According to a letter sent to George Washington by Colonel Israel Shreve, the banks of the Delaware River near Cinnaminson became the site of a swift and successful Continental strike against British forces.

Writing from his headquarters in Haddonfield, Shreve detailed how a detachment of the 2nd New Jersey Regiment took up a concealed position at a local fishery to intercept British foraging parties crossing over from occupied Philadelphia. The ambush was a complete success, resulting in the capture of a British barge along with seven sailors and a midshipman. This victory provided Washington with more than just prisoners; the captured men offered critical intelligence regarding British naval strength and their growing concerns over the arrival of a French fleet, proving that the "Jersey Line" was effectively strangling the enemy’s supply routes.

The man behind this tactical success had deep roots in the very soil he was defending. Colonel Israel Shreve was a true son of old West Jersey, born into a lineage that helped shape the region. His mother, Elizabeth French, was born around 1695 at the Thomas French House in Moorestown, a site that still stands as a testament to the early Quaker settlers.

This ancestral connection to the community gave Shreve’s command a personal weight, as he spent the spring of 1778 protecting the homesteads and farms of his own kin and neighbors from British plunder. His report to Washington on this day serves as a powerful reminder of the local vigilance that turned the tide of the Philadelphia Campaign.

A detailed account of his life and service record can be found at: Israel Shreve (1739-1799) https://www.wikitree.com/wiki/Shreve-278


Revolution NJ

https://founders.archives.gov/documents/Washington/03-14-02-0437

Colonel Israel Shreve to George Washington, 10 April 1778

04/07/2026

The American Revolution is traditionally told as a heroic tale of liberty versus tyranny, but for the British, it felt less like a glorious birth and more like a traumatic, high-stakes divorce.

In a compelling new documentary, one of Britain’s most renowned historians, Simon Schama, reframes the conflict, stripping away the mythology to reveal the messy, bitter reality of a family falling apart. From the British perspective, the colonies weren't just distant territories; they were a central part of the national identity, and their departure was a seismic shock that forced the Empire to reinvent itself.
Explore how this "great separation" redefined both sides of the Atlantic in this fascinating deep dive from Smithsonian Magazine.

https://www.smithsonianmag.com/history/in-a-new-documentary-one-of-britains-most-famous-historians-reframes-the-american-revolution-as-a-messy-divorce-180988457/

Lucy Worsley's PBS series highlights the emotional fallout of the conflict, with a focus on the British perspective

03/19/2026

The General Returns to Kings Highway

There is a specific kind of silence that falls over a historic town when a white horse rounds the corner. It’s a sound that hasn’t been “right” in Moorestown for 250 years—until now.

As we gear up for the Moorestown 250th, we’re bringing the Commander-in-Chief back to the very ground he trod in 1778. But this isn’t a stiff history lecture; it’s a Revolutionary-era happy hour. We’re talking George Washington, his magnificent mount Nelson, and a toast to the heritage that built this town.

We’ll be pouring a special small beer brewed by Double Nickel (from Washington’s own recipe) and sampling the Madeira that fueled the founders. It’s “Cocktails and Carrots”—because while you’re sipping a drink, Nelson deserves a treat for the journey.

The Details:
📍 Van Meter Hall, Kings Highway
🍸 Revolutionary Libations & Heavy Hors d’oeuvres
🐴 Meet the General and Nelson
🎟️ Link in Comments

03/19/2026

The General Returns to Kings Highway

There is a specific kind of silence that falls over a historic town when a white horse rounds the corner. It’s a sound that hasn't been "right" in Moorestown for 250 years—until now.

As we gear up for the Moorestown 250th, we’re bringing the Commander-in-Chief back to the very ground he trod in 1778. But this isn't a stiff history lecture; it's a Revolutionary-era happy hour. We’re talking George Washington, his magnificent mount Nelson, and a toast to the heritage that built this town.

We’ll be pouring a special small beer brewed by Double Nickel (from Washington’s own recipe) and sampling the Madeira that fueled the founders. It’s "Cocktails and Carrots"—because while you’re sipping a drink, Nelson deserves a treat for the journey.

The Details:
📍 Van Meter Hall, Kings Highway
🍸 Revolutionary Libations & Heavy Hors d'oeuvres
🐴 Meet the General and Nelson
🎟️

Celebrate the 250th anniversary of the United States with George Washington and his horse, Nelson, at a cocktail reception!

03/11/2026

IMPORTANT ANNOUNCEMENT: 🇺🇸 May 16: The First Oval Office Project is Coming!

Step into Washington's Command Center in Historic Moorestown ! 🇺🇸

For the first time in nearly 250 years, General George Washington’s legendary War Tent will travel the Historic Kings Highway and make its grand appearance in Moorestown!

Join the Historical Society of Moorestown, in partnership with the Museum of the American Revolution, as we host The First Oval Office Project—a powerful, traveling exhibition commemorating the Nation’s 250th Semiquincentennial.

Experience History Like Never Before:

• Walk in His Footsteps: Encounter a full-scale, hand-stitched replica of Washington’s Revolutionary War Tent—the very space often called America’s “First Oval Office.” This tent was his wartime headquarters, a command center where critical decisions were made and the Continental Army was led.

• Immersive Encounters: Step into the past with costumed interpreters, interactive displays, associated replica camp equipage, and furnishings that bring the era to vivid life. You may even meet George & Martha, Ben Franklin, and others!

• A Day of Revolutionary Fun: Enjoy live 18th-century music, food, hands-on colonial crafts, and engaging games for all ages.

📍 Locust Park, Moorestown, NJ
📅 Saturday, May 16, 2026
⏰ 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM

Don't miss this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to experience the heart of the American Revolution right here in Burlington County! Follow us for updates.

https://www.amrevmuseum.org/learn-and-explore/first-oval-office-project

The cornerstone of the Museum’s collection is General George Washington’s Revolutionary War tent, the marquee or office and sleeping quarters that he used as the command center of the Continental Army. Created as a mobile field headquarters, the tent was likely made in Reading, Pennsylvania,...

03/06/2026

02/10/2026

⚓ On This Day: February 9, 1799 – A Legend is Born in the Caribbean

Today marks the anniversary of one of the most pivotal ship-to-ship battles in American history. On February 9, 1799, the USS Constellation, commanded by the indomitable Commodore Thomas Truxtun, engaged the French frigate L'Insurgente off the coast of Nevis.

The battle was a masterclass in naval tactics. Despite a fierce gale that saw the French ship lose its main topmast, Truxtun closed the distance to just 50 yards. After over an hour of relentless broadsides, the L'Insurgente struck her colors. It was the first major victory for the newly formed U.S. Navy and established the United States as a legitimate maritime power.

🏡 Bringing the History Home to Moorestown

While Truxtun’s victories were won on the high seas, his heart—and his retirement—belonged to Moorestown.

Between 1812 and 1816, Truxtun lived at his 40-acre plantation known as Woodlawn (located on Marne Highway, across from what is now Lockheed Martin). This home isn't just a local landmark; it is a physical link to a man who was:

• A "Founding Father" of the Navy: One of the original six captains appointed by George Washington.

• The Man Who Saved Franklin: Truxtun commanded the ship that safely returned Benjamin Franklin to Philadelphia from France in 1785.

• A Friend to the Infamous: In 1804, Truxtun sheltered Aaron Burr just 11 days after Burr killed Alexander Hamilton in their famous duel and defended him during his murder trial.

🏛️ BIG NEWS: Moorestown Township Acquires the Truxtun House!

We are thrilled to share that, as of February 2026, Moorestown Township has officially finalized the acquisition of the Commodore Truxtun House at 730 Marne Highway.

Through a cooperative agreement with Virtua Health (the previous owners), the township has secured this 18th-century treasure to ensure its permanent preservation. This acquisition comes just in time for the nation’s Semiquincentennial (250th Anniversary) in 2026.

Revolution NJ

The ship USS Constellation scored the first American victory over a foreign ship thanks to a sucker punch and a disciplined crew.

01/17/2026

Back by ridiculous demand: Moorestown250 Presents: The 2026 British & Hessian Retreat Fun Run A Signature Event for the Nation’s 250th Anniversary!

During the American Revolution, 7,700 British and Hessian troops retreated from Philadelphia, storming through Moorestown. They looted homes, burned fields, and famously snatched 40 chickens from the Smith-Cadbury Mansion to roast them right in the parlor!

Now, 250 years later, it’s time to settle the score.

Join us for a lively, family-friendly 1-mile "retreat" through historic Moorestown. We’re retracing the steps of the invading soldiers, "returning" stolen goods, and celebrating our community's incredible history with more speed and spirit than ever before.

🗓️ Event Details
• Date: Saturday, September 19, 2026
• Time: 9:00 AM Sharp
• Location: Main Street, Moorestown
• The Mission: Run, walk, or march to chase the Hessians out of town!
(Detailed registration and route info to follow)

🤝 Become a Part of History: Call for Sponsors
To make this historic commemoration a success, we need your support. This isn't just a race; it’s a once-in-a-generation celebration of Moorestown’s role in the American story.

Why Sponsor the Hessian Fun Run?
• Unmatched Visibility: Reach thousands of local residents and visitors during the peak of the Semiquincentennial (250th) celebrations.
• Community Legacy: Help fund educational programming and preservation efforts that will live on long after the finish line.
• Brand Alignment: Position your business as a pillar of the community, supporting local history, health, and family-friendly fun.

To sponsor this awesome event, email [email protected]

01/17/2026

When the Beatles released “Yellow Submarine,” it wasn’t just a song—it was an invitation. An invitation to community, imagination, and shared joy. A place where everyone belongs, voices rise together, and music brings us through uncertain waters.

That spirit is exactly what we’re celebrating as Moorestown250 kicks off with a Beatles tribute concert on January 24. 🎶
One night. One town. Generations singing along to music that still unites us.

So grab your friends, wear your best ’60s style, and join us as Moorestown sets sail—together—into a year of history, celebration, and community.

👉 All aboard.
👉 Let the music play.

Register at: MoorestownHistory.org

01/15/2026

Lafayette was an abolitionist and universal human rights advocate. Read more about his plan on ending the practice of slavery in the United States.

In the closing days of the American Revolution, the Marquis de Lafayette wrote his old commander, George Washington, suggesting an experiment. The two would purchase land where Washington's enslaved laborers would then work as free tenants. ⁣
⁣
Lafayette believed that Washington's participation in the project would help to "render it a general practice." Lafayette hoped that his plan would prove successful in the United States and then spread to the West Indies, encouraging the emancipation of African Americans.

Learn more about Lafayette's plan for slavery: https://bit.ly/40VWInI

(Image Credit)
Lafayette as a lieutenant general in 1791, by Joseph-Désiré Court (1834)