Green Brook in Somerset County, New Jersey — The American Northeast (Mid-Atlantic)

Washington Rock

Photographed by Thomas R. D, October 13, 2012

1. Washington Rock Somerset County Marker

Inscription. In May, 1777, General George Washington moved his army from Morristown to the Watchung Mountains above Bound Brook. The British Army, under the command of Sir William Howe, were reinforcing their base at New Brunswick and hoping to draw the American army into a decisive battle that would end the war.

The rock offered Washington an unobstructed view of British bases in Perth Amboy and New Brunswick, as well as fleet movements in the lower New York Harbor. Washington’s objective was to prevent Howe from moving south through New Jersey to attack Philadelphia, while being in position to flank the British if they moved into the Hudson. Control of the mountains, which served as a natural fort, gave Washington’s army the advantage of setting the terms of potential engagements.

Erected 2012 by Somerset County / Green Brook Township Historical Society.

Topics. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: War, US Revolutionary. A significant historical month for this entry is May 1777.

Location. 40° 36.794′ N, 74° 28.37′ W. Marker is in Green Brook, New Jersey, in Somerset County. It is on Rock Road East close to Washington

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Avenue (County Route 529), on the left when traveling west. The marker is located on the walkway to the monument approximetly 25 feet from Rock Road East. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: Washington Rock Park, Dunellen NJ 08812, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Regionally, this marker is in New Jersey’s North Jersey,

specifically in Central Jersey,

in Greater Princeton,

and in the New York City Metropolitan Area.

It is also in the American Northeast

and in the Mid-Atlantic.

Globally, it is in the North Atlantic Region,

North America,

the Western Hemisphere,

the Western World,

and the Anglosphere.

Historically, it finds itself in what was once New Netherland

and also one of the original Thirteen Colonies.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within 3 miles of this marker, measured as the crow flies: A different marker also named Washington Rock (within shouting distance of this marker); a different marker also named Washington Rock (within shouting distance of this marker); Site of the Blue Hills Fort and Camp (approx. 1.6 miles away); World War II 50th Anniversary Commemorative Memorial

Washington Rock Marker image. Click for full size.

Photographed by Thomas R. D, October 16, 2012

2. Washington Rock Marker

(approx. 2.1 miles away); Drake House (approx. 2.2 miles away); Drake House Flag Pole (approx. 2.2 miles away); Revolutionary War Skirmishes in the Area (approx. 2.6 miles away); Mt. Bethel Meeting House (approx. 2.8 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Green Brook.

More about this marker. Washington Rock Park is owned by the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection and maintained by the Somerset County Park Commission.

View from Washington Rock image. Click for full size.

Photographed by Thomas R. D, October 16, 2012

3. View from Washington Rock

Washington Rock Monument image. Click for full size.

Photographed by Thomas R. D, October 16, 2012

4. Washington Rock Monument

Credits. This page was last revised on June 16, 2016. It was originally submitted on October 17, 2012, by Thomas R. D'Amico of Somerville, New Jersey. This page has been viewed 1,174 times since then and 51 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4. submitted on October 17, 2012, by Thomas R. D'Amico of Somerville, New Jersey. • Bill Pfingsten was the editor who published this page.