DEP ADVANCES RESTORATION
EFFORTS AT HISTORIC ROCKINGHAM
(06/67) TRENTON - Department of Environmental
Protection Commissioner Lisa P. Jackson today announced that Rockingham,
the final headquarters of General George Washington during the
American Revolutionary War, will receive $50,000 toward ongoing
efforts to restore the site as an 18th-century farmstead.
“New Jersey is proud to be known as the Crossroads of the
American Revolution,” Commissioner Jackson said. “As
we take another step toward preserving this major landmark in our
nation’s struggle for independence, we also are reminded
that many other historic sites throughout the state need care.
Next week, New Jersey voters will have an opportunity to demonstrate
their concern for these sites, our state parks and wildlife management
areas.”
The funding will be used to construct a foundation for a historic
barn donated by the Rockingham Association, a nonprofit organization
dedicated solely to the preservation of Rockingham. The addition
of a barn and other amenities will return the farmstead to its
likeness during the time General Washington and his wife Martha
occupied the property. While residing at Rockingham in 1783, General
Washington learned that America gained freedom from British rule
and wrote his Farewell Orders to the Armies of the United States.
The site is significant in the newly designated Crossroads of
the American Revolution National Heritage Area, announced recently
by the National Park Service. New Jersey Congressman Rush Holt
was a key sponsor of the legislation that designated New Jersey
as one of the nation’s newest National Heritage Areas.
On Nov. 7, New Jersey voters will be asked to consider a constitutional
amendment that would provide a dedicated source of funding - $15
million a year until 2015 and $32 million annually beginning in
2016 - for maintenance and capital improvements at historic sites,
state parks and wildlife areas. Without requiring any new taxes,
Public Question 2 would allow revenues already generated through
the Corporate Business Tax Fund to be used for maintenance and
capital-improvement projects.
Voters' approval of Public Question 2 would guarantee a stable
source of state funding every year for such projects at sites throughout
New Jersey.
To learn more about Public Question 2, visit www.njsos.org.
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