Springfield Historical Society

The first half of the year 1780 was an important time for the British forces in the New York-New Jersey colonies. It didn't turn out quite as they had hoped.

It has been estimated that during the War for Independence only about a third of the population of New Jersey supported the cause, with a third remaining loyal to the crown and the rest remaining neutral. After General Clinton led the British forces to a decisive victory in Charleston, he began the journey back to New York; his subordinate, the Hessian General Kynphausen, couldn't wait for Clinton, and began is attack in June. After the Battle of Elizabethtown in January, he believed he could win a final victory by capturing General Washington, headquartered and vulnerable in Morristown. It didn't turn out that way. Visit the Historic Cannon Ball House at 126 Morris Avenue, Springfield, on Sunday, February 17 between 2-4 PM to hear the rest of the story.

George Washington stayed in Springfield for part of the time around the Battle in June, 1780. The Springfield Historical Society owns a letter written by him just days before the decisive victory and will have that letter on display during this Open House, along with other presidential memorabilia. Please stop by! (Suggested donation $2.00/adults)

article credit: M Bandrowski &  Springfield Patriot Times