Hillsborough: The Birthplace of a Revolution
Three centuries ago, many presidential icons and patriotic leaders traversed our beloved Hillsborough Township. In fact, this just might be the birthplace of American liberty. In honor of President’s Day, let’s explore the rich history of our town.
The thrilling escapade of the Revolutionary War brought General George Washington to the Sourland Mountains. He ran drills with his soldiers among the corn stalks, and forced the British soldiers to retreat from the region. Where we stand today was once the battlefield of an impressive soldier, and an even more impactful patriot.
Even more exciting are General Washington’s frequent visits to his friend John Van Horne at a house near present-day Montgomery Avenue. From 1776 to 1783, the first president of the United States spent plenty of time in Montgomery, specifically his headquarters in Rocky Hill. Today’s town acted as a ‘home base’ for Washington’s visits to the Continental Congress in Princeton, which eventually gave birth to the most revolutionary ideas the world had seen.
The Woods Tavern, where our company is located, has also played a significant role in our area’s history. It was the site of Horace Greeley's campaign speech in 1872, who ran against Ulysses S. Grant for president. The tavern was built sometime in 1738, becoming a historic landmark in America’s rapid transition from the colonial era to modern times.
So with every step you take throughout Hillsborough township, remember the historical imprint that once rested upon that spot. A dazzling row of soldiers, the boom of a cannon, and the sprightly spirit of a resistance that gave birth to one of the greatest democracies in the world.
This is the birthplace of democracy.