Basking Ridge in Somerset County, New Jersey — The American Northeast (Mid-Atlantic)
Site of Widow White’s Tavern
Photographed By Bill Coughlin, June 22, 2008
1. Site of Widow White’s Tavern Marker
The Widow White's Tavern no longer exists. A private home is today located on this site.
Here on December 13, 1776, Major General Charles Lee, second in command to General Washington in the Continental Army, was taken prisoner by a British Patrol.
Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Industry & Commerce • War, US Revolutionary. In addition, it is included in the Former U.S. Presidents: #01 George Washington series list. A significant historical month for this entry is December 1862.
Location. 40° 41.969′ N, 74° 32.858′ W. Marker is in Basking Ridge, New Jersey, in Somerset County. Marker is at the intersection of South Finley Avenue and Colonial Drive, on the right when traveling south on South Finley Avenue. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Basking Ridge NJ 07920, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. Bernards Township Veterans Monument (about 600 feet away, measured in a direct line); Basking Ridge (approx. half a mile away); Bernards Township War Memorial (approx. half a mile away); Early Church (approx. half a mile away); Basking Ridge Presbyterian Church Graveyard (approx. half a mile away); The Brick Academy
this page online
Also see . . . Washington's Retreat Through Jersey - Capture of General Lee. General Atomic website entry (Submitted on July 7, 2008, by Bill Coughlin of Woodland Park, New Jersey.)
Photographed By Bill Coughlin, June 22, 2008
2. Marker on South Finley Avenue
During the retreat across New Jersey in December 1776, Gen. Charles Lee chose to place his troops near Morristown rather than join Washington on the west side of the Delaware River. While sleeping in the tavern of the Widow White, Lee was taken prisoner by troops of Gen. Charles Cornwallis. The removal of Lee, a frequent critic of Washington, may have led to Washington's success at Trenton and Princeton.
Credits. This page was last revised on December 2, 2021. It was originally submitted on June 23, 2008, by Bill Coughlin of Woodland Park, New Jersey. This page has been viewed 2,991 times since then and 94 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on June 23, 2008, by Bill Coughlin of Woodland Park, New Jersey.
