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Millburn in Essex County, New Jersey — The American Northeast (Mid-Atlantic)
 

Washington Rock

 
 
Washington Rock Marker image. Click for full size.
Photographed by Bill Coughlin, May 3, 2008
1. Washington Rock Marker
Inscription.
Tradition places
George Washington
here, in the summer of 1780, observing American troops thwart British efforts to reach Morristown and destroy his base of supplies.

The first advance was halted at Connecticut Farms, now Union, June 7th. The British retirement to Elizabethtown was marked by the burning of Connecticut Farms and the murder of Parson Caldwell’s wife.

On June 23rd British and Hessian troops under General Knyphausen were repulsed at Springfield by American troops commanded by General Nathaniel Greene.

The 2nd Rhode Island Regiment, under Col. Angell, was stationed at the easterly bridge over the Rahway River, on the Main Road (Morris Avenue). Major “Light Horse Harry” Lee, with colonial veterans and local militia, held the bridge at Vaux Hall Road. Forced to abandon their effort, the British, after burning Springfield Village, quit New Jersey soil forever.

In this battle Parson Caldwell brought hymn-books from his church to the American gunners who had used up their supply of wadding, shouting “Boys, Give ‘em Watts!” as commemorated by Bret Harte in his poem “Parson Caldwell.”
 
Erected 1992 by 1st Mountain Chapter Sons of the American Revolution.
 
Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in this topic list:
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War, US Revolutionary. In addition, it is included in the Sons of the American Revolution (SAR) series list. A significant historical date for this entry is June 7, 1780.
 
Location. 40° 43.74′ N, 74° 18.018′ W. Marker is in Millburn, New Jersey, in Essex County. It is on Crest Drive, on the left when traveling north. Marker is in South Mountain Reservation, at the end of Crest Drive. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Millburn NJ 07041, 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: The First Synagogue In Millburn Township (approx. 0.4 miles away); First Meeting of the Wyoming Presbyterian Church (approx. 0.4 miles away); Paper Mill Playhouse (approx. half a mile away); Angelo Del Rossi (approx. half a mile away); Baldwin Court (approx. half a mile away); Last British Thrust into New Jersey (approx. 0.6 miles away); American Delaying Action (approx. 0.7 miles away); Battle of Springfield (approx. Ύ mile away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Millburn.
 
Also see . . .  The Battles of Connecticut Farms and Springfield. (Submitted on May 3, 2008, by Bill Coughlin of Woodland Park, New Jersey.)
 
Secondary Plaque image. Click for full size.
Photographed by Bill Coughlin, May 3, 2008
2. Secondary Plaque
Washington Rock Historic Site
Rededicated June 1992
“Lest We Forget”
1st Mountain Chapter, N.J. Society, Sons of the American Revolution
Washington Rock Markers image. Click for full size.
Photographed by Bill Coughlin, May 3, 2008
3. Washington Rock Markers
Cannon and Balls image. Click for full size.
Photographed by Bill Coughlin, May 3, 2008
4. Cannon and Balls
This display is located near the Washington Rock marker.
Battle of Springfield Overlook image. Click for full size.
Photographed by Bill Coughlin, May 3, 2008
5. Battle of Springfield Overlook
This overlook provides a view of Springfield and Millburn, where the June, 1780 battle was fought.
View of Springfield & Millburn image. Click for full size.
Photographed by Bill Coughlin, May 3, 2008
6. View of Springfield & Millburn
This is the view that George Washington had when he observed the Battle of Springfield.
 
 
Credits. This page was last revised on October 27, 2024. It was originally submitted on May 3, 2008, by Bill Coughlin of Woodland Park, New Jersey. This page has been viewed 2,915 times since then and 74 times this year. Photos:   1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6. submitted on May 3, 2008, by Bill Coughlin of Woodland Park, New Jersey. • Kevin W. was the editor who published this page.
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Jun. 9, 2026