Submitted by Kevin D. Kuchinski, Hopewell Township Committee and Liaison to the Historic Preservation Commission
When you are turning 250 years old, the party planning starts early.
The 250th Anniversary of the independence of the United States is coming up in 2026, and Hopewell Township is excited to be officially recognized as one of the first RevolutionNJ Communities in the State.
RevolutionNJ is a partnership between the New Jersey Historical Commission (NJHC), a division of the New Jersey Department of State, and the non-profit Crossroads of the American Revolution Association, and has been charged to plan the commemoration of the 250th anniversary of the American Revolution in New Jersey. We are excited to be part of this and to help honor this monumental occasion.
As home to Washington Crossing State Park, Hopewell Township is literally at the crossroads of the American Revolution. Washington Crossing was the site of General George Washington’s cold Delaware River crossing on Christmas Eve in 1776. After the Continental Army brought their provisions over the River, they embarked on a difficult and uncomfortable nine mile march to Trenton, in a terrible storm with snow, sleet, and hail pouring down on them. The resulting Battle of Trenton was an important victory for our new country and the start of a crucial 10 days campaign, including the second battle of Trenton and the ensuing victory of the Continental army in Princeton, which cemented America’s independence.
George Washington spent one quarter of his time as Commander-in-Chief living and fighting the British in New Jersey, as armies crisscrossed the state. There were more than 600 battles and skirmishes in New Jersey lands and waters, including the longest one-day battle of the war (Monmouth).
Hopewell Township, along with the Washington Crossing Park Association, remembers this important historical event with a re-enactment of the crossing annually on Christmas Day.
You may be surprised that New Jersey has over 150 Revolutionary War sites – major battlefields, monuments to key people and events, historic houses, museums, markers, historic churches and graveyards – more than any other state in the nation. NJ is planning to highlight these sites during the United States’ Semiquincentennial, which will be celebrated across the country.
Over the next three years, the Township will be connecting with community members to highlight diverse stories, partner with history organizations, and promote heritage tourism. We’ll be working with Trenton and Princeton to highlight the critical role Central Jersey played in shaping the events of the Revolutionary War.
It’s important for all New Jerseyans to understand how the complexity of our history helps us to respond to the present and to prepare for the future. We will be working with the Hopewell Valley Regional School District and the two Boroughs to educate our students and community about our history and to demonstrate how our history can help us address and respond to current day issues.
The 250th Anniversary of American Independence is also a tremendous opportunity to bring visitors to our community and to promote heritage tourism across New Jersey. Every visitor who comes to Hopewell Valley will not only bring new revenues to local businesses, but also help us build community.
Please let us know if you’re interested in helping with the preparations and keep an eye out for activities as they are announced.
