Alpine in Bergen County, New Jersey — The American Northeast (Mid-Atlantic)
The Old Alpine Trail
Photographed by Bill Coughlin, April 8, 2008
1. Old Alpine Trail Marker
The Old Alpine Trail
used by
the British troops who
first appeared in the
State of New Jersey
on the stormy night
of Nov. 18, 1776 in the
unsuccessful effort of
Cornwallis to intercept
Washington on his way
to Trenton.
Erected 1928 by Polly Wyckoff Chapter, Daughters of the American Revolution.
Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: War, US Revolutionary. In addition, it is included in the Daughters of the American Revolution series list. A significant historical date for this entry is October 18, 1861.
Location. 40° 56.831′ N, 73° 55.135′ W. Marker is in Alpine, New Jersey, in Bergen County. It can be reached from Alpine Approach Road. Marker is in the Palisades Interstate Park at the end of the Alpine Approach Road, north of the Alpine Boat Basin. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Alpine NJ 07620, 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 2 miles of this marker, measured as the crow flies: Cornwallis Headquarters (here, next to this marker); Untangling Folklore from Fact (a few steps from this marker); Along the Palisades Riverfront (about 400 feet away, measured in a direct line); Alpine Community Church (approx.
this page online
Also see . . .
1. On His Lordship's Mysterious Ascent. Palisades Interstate Park Commission website entry (Submitted on April 8, 2008, by Bill Coughlin of Woodland Park, New Jersey.)
2. The Kearney House. Palisades Interstate Parks Commission website entry (Submitted on April 8, 2008, by Bill Coughlin of Woodland Park, New Jersey.)
Photographed by Bill Coughlin, April 8, 2008
2. Old Alpine Trail Begins Here
The marker is at the base of the Palisades on the banks of the Hudson River.
Photographed by Bill Coughlin, April 8, 2008
3. Old Alpine Trail
This trail was used by the British troops under Cornwallis to begin pursuit of Washington's army, then camped at Ft. Lee.
Photographed by Bill Coughlin, April 8, 2008
4. Cornwallis Headquarters
This house, just south of the marker, was used as a headquarters by Lord Cornwallis.
Photographed by Bill Coughlin, April 8, 2008
5. Blackledge-Kearney House
In recent years, some doubts have been raised as to whether or not Cornwallis actually headquartered here or a few miles south of this location. A plaque proclaiming this as Cornwallis' Headquarters no longer appears on the house.
Photographed by Bill Coughlin, April 8, 2008
6. The Palisades
The Old Alpine Trail starts at the river's edge and makes the steep climb up the palisades.
Photo Courtsey of the Palisades Interstate Park Commission, circa 1920s
7. The Old Alpine Trail Marker
The Old Alpine Trail marker was originally attached to the south side of the nearby Kearney House. It can be seen on the left side of the house in this photo.
Photo Courtsey of the Palisades Interstate Park Commission, 1928
8. Dedication of the Old Alpine Trail Marker
The Daughters of the American Revolution unveil the Old Alpine marker.
Credits. This page was last revised on January 19, 2026. It was originally submitted on April 8, 2008, by Bill Coughlin of Woodland Park, New Jersey. This page has been viewed 4,045 times since then and 67 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6. submitted on April 8, 2008, by Bill Coughlin of Woodland Park, New Jersey. 7, 8. submitted on April 30, 2018, by Bill Coughlin of Woodland Park, New Jersey. • Kevin W. was the editor who published this page.
