Springfield in Union County, New Jersey — The American Northeast (Mid-Atlantic)
Springfield
Photographed By R. C., August 14, 2010
1. Springfield Marker
The first British advance was stayed at the bridge east of the village, June 7, 1780. The Battle of Springfield was fought June 23rd. The Americans under General Greene on that day near the stream west of the church checked the enemy, who in their retreat burned the church and village. From this church Parson Caldwell took psalm-books during the fight and flung them to the Americans for wadding, crying; “Put Watts into ‘em boys.”
Erected by the State of New Jersey, A.D. 1905
(Back of monument):
GOD is our refuge and strength
(Left side of monument):
For freedom’s battle once begun bequeathed by bleeding sire to son through baffled oft is ever won.
(Right side of monument):
Of what avail the plough or sail or land or life if freedom fail.
Erected 1905 by State of New Jersey.
Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Churches & Religion • War, US Revolutionary. A significant historical date for this entry is June 7, 1925.
Location. 40° 42.667′ N, 74° 18.623′ W. Marker is in Springfield, New Jersey, in Union County. Marker is at the intersection of Morris Avenue and Church Mall, on the right when traveling west on Morris Avenue. Touch for map
this page online
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. Colonial Church (a few steps from this marker); The Battle of Springfield (within shouting distance of this marker); Patriots who fell at Springfield (about 600 feet away, measured in a direct line); The Cannonball House (approx. 0.2 miles away); a different marker also named Battle of Springfield (approx. 0.2 miles away); The Jersey Militia and Continental Army (approx. half a mile away); To the memory of Colonel Israel Angell (approx. half a mile away); Colonel Elias Dayton (approx. half a mile away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Springfield.
Also see . . . The Battles of Connecticut Farms and Springfield. (Submitted on April 5, 2008, by Bill Coughlin of Woodland Park, New Jersey.)
Photographed By Bill Coughlin, April 5, 2008
2. Springfield Monument
Photographed By Bill Coughlin, April 5, 2008
3. Left side of monument
Photographed By Bill Coughlin, April 5, 2008
4. Right side of monument
Photographed By Bill Coughlin, April 5, 2008
5. Back of monument
Photographed By Bill Coughlin, April 5, 2008
6. Springfield Minuteman Monument
The minuteman looks over the area that saw much of the fighting on June 23, 1780. It was near here that Baron von Knyphausen decided to withdraw.
Photographed By Bill Coughlin, April 5, 2008
7. Minuteman Monument and the Church
The Springfield Minuteman Monument stands in front of the First Presbyterian Church.
Photographed By Bill Coughlin, April 5, 2008
8. Springfield Monument at the Presbyterian Church
The First Presbyterian Church was burned down by the British as they retreated after the Battle of Springfield on June 23, 1780.
Photographed By Bill Coughlin, April 5, 2008
9. Bridge over the Rahway River
Americans under Gen. Greene first encountered the advancing British near this stream west of the Presbyterian Church.
Photographed By R. C.
10. Springfield Minuteman
Credits. This page was last revised on June 16, 2016. It was originally submitted on April 5, 2008, by Bill Coughlin of Woodland Park, New Jersey. This page has been viewed 1,320 times since then and 21 times this year. Photos: 1. submitted on August 20, 2010, by Ronald Claiborne of College Station, Texas. 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9. submitted on April 5, 2008, by Bill Coughlin of Woodland Park, New Jersey. 10. submitted on August 20, 2010, by Ronald Claiborne of College Station, Texas. • Craig Swain was the editor who published this page.
