Revolutionary War Battles Almost in Your Backyard
The Union Township Historical Society will host “Revolutionary War Battles Almost in Your Backyard,” a presentation by John Keiser and David Seigfried, at Connecticut Farms Presbyterian Church, on Sunday, May 31, at 2 p.m. Admission is free. Refreshments will be served.
Messrs. Keiser and Sigried–Sons of the American Revolution and founding members of the Forgotten Victory Trail Committee–will discuss the battles of Elizabeth, Connecticut Farms (now Union), and Springfield. They will include important, forgotten aspects of these battles and why they had such a significant impact on the outcome of the American Revolution. In addition, they will introduce their project of the Forgotten Victory Trail, which commemorates those important Revolutionary War victories, and is a preparation for the upcoming celebration of the 250th anniversary of the birth of the U. S. in 2026. Tom Beisler, a UTHS trustee, is also a member of the FVT Committee.
At press time the understanding was that public buildings may open on May 15. However, the church may still be closed. Please call 908-591-4377 closer to the date if in doubt.
Timeline Relevant to Battles of Elizabeth, Connecticut Farms, and Springfield
- Winter 1779-Spring 1780: Continental Army encamped in Morristown
- Early June 1780: British occupation of NYC
- June 7, 1780: British and Hessians land in Elizabeth from Staten Island
- 1st Battle at Connecticut Farms (now Union)
- Shooting death of Hannah Caldwell (wife of Rev. James Caldwell) at Parsonage
- Fighting in Elizabeth between battles
- June 23, 1780: 2nd Battle at Connecticut Farms and Battle at Springfield
- Fighting at Vauxhall Road and Millburn Avenue (now Millburn)