Closter in Bergen County, New Jersey — The American Northeast (Mid-Atlantic)
The Closter Horseman
Photographed by Bill Coughlin, February 26, 2013
1. The Closter Horseman Marker
He saw the redcoats on the eastern hills. This Closterman who galloped through the mist to warn the troops encamped down the road at Fort Lee. His plow horse carrying him to glory on the most important ride in history, the hinge on which the door of freedom swung.
Dedicated on the 188th Anniversary
of the Famous Ride – Nov. 20, 1964
Erected 1964.
Topics. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: War, US Revolutionary. A significant historical date for this entry is November 20, 1779.
Location. 40° 57.927′ N, 73° 57.315′ W. Marker is in Closter, New Jersey, in Bergen County. It is at the intersection of Closter Dock Road and Piermont Road, on the right when traveling east on Closter Dock Road. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Closter NJ 07624, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Regionally, this marker is in New Jersey’s North Jersey, in Greater Newark, 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 walking distance of this marker: Walter Parcells Homestead (about 500 feet away, measured in a direct line); Sautes Taves Begraven Ground (approx. 0.3 miles away); Douwe Talema (approx. 0.3 miles away); Closter Public School (approx. 0.6 miles away); Harold Hess Lustron House (approx. 0.7 miles away); Demarest Railroad Station (approx.
this page online
Additional commentary.
1. Closter Horseman Controversy
Research conducted by Todd Braisted, former president of the Bergen County Historical Society, puts some doubt on whether the horseman who warned Washington was actually from Closter. According to pension records he reviewed in the National Archives, the person on duty the morning of November 20, 1776 was John Clifford of Hunterdon County. It may well have been Clifford who carried the news of the approaching British troops to Fort Lee.
— Submitted February 26, 2013, by Bill Coughlin of Woodland Park, New Jersey.
Photographed by Bill Coughlin, February 26, 2013
2. The Closter Horseman Marker
Called the Paul Revere of Bergen County, the Closter Horseman is said to have ridden to Fort Lee to warn Gen. Washington of the approach of Gen. Cornwallis and the British and Hessian Army. This advanced warning allowed Washington and the Continental Army to escape and begin their retreat across New Jersey.
Photographed by Bill Coughlin, February 26, 2013
3. Marker in Closter
Photographed by Bill Coughlin, February 26, 2013
4. Seal of the Borough of Closter
The seal of the borough of Closter, which appears on the monument, contains an image of the Closter Horseman.
Credits. This page was last revised on October 2, 2023. It was originally submitted on February 26, 2013, by Bill Coughlin of Woodland Park, New Jersey. This page has been viewed 3,343 times since then and 213 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4. submitted on February 26, 2013, by Bill Coughlin of Woodland Park, New Jersey.
