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JON S. CORZINE |
VIRGINIA S.
BAUER |
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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE |
Contact: Karen Wolfe |
| President’s Day Activities in the Garden State Trenton, NJ (February 9, 2006) —New Jersey, categorically known for its revolutionary war history, showcases its patriotic pride throughout the month of February at museums, events and activities commemorating the birth of the country’s founding father, George Washington. “It is befitting for New Jersey, a state steeped in revolutionary war history, to honor its forefathers with activities and celebrations that capture the contributions of President George Washington during February, his birthday month,” said Nancy Byrne, Executive Director of Travel and Tourism. Witness a musket firing demonstration and tours of the historic Abraham Staats house in South Bound Brook Feb. 11. Historian Joe Becton will speak on the topic “Blacks in the American Revolution.” The Staats plantation served as the quarters for the inspector general of the Revolutionary army, Baron Von Steuben, who also entertained important dignitaries, including George Washington and other senior generals. For information call 732-469-5836. Visit www.staatshouse.com The Historic Village of Allaire in Farmingdale will kick-off commemorative events celebrating the life of George Washington Feb. 19 with speeches marking the historic significance and a cake honoring the country’s first president. For information call 732-919-3500 www.allairevillage.com The Battle of Trenton- Washington and his Continental Army historically crossed the Delaware River and fought the unprepared Hessian mercenaries in the Battle of Trenton. The battle, now marked in Trenton by a monument erected in 1893, was said to be the turning point for America. In addition to viewing the monument, visit the Old Barracks Museum for a tour and even follow Washington’s Victory Trail beginning at Washington’s Crossing, going through the Battle of Trenton and ending at the Battle of Princeton. For information or for a copy of the Victory Trail map call 609-396-1776. Visit www.barracks.org The Battle of Princeton- After victory in Trenton, Washington and his army continued on to Princeton for another surprise attack and defeat against the British. At the Princeton Battlefield State Park see where “the fiercest fight of the Revolutionary War” took place. The Clark House Museum, located on the battlefield, is where General Hugh Mercer was carried to and eventually died nine days after the battle. For more information call 609- 921-0074. Visit www.state.nj.us/dep/parksandforests/parks/princeton.html The National Historic Park in Morristown is significant to the history of President Washington who resided in the Ford Mansion during the Revolutionary War. Tours of the Ford Mansion are provided throughout the year. The park also consists of the Fort Nonsense Unit, the Jockey Hollow Unit, and the New Jersey Brigade Area, all of which served as main encampments of the American Continental Army during the war. For information call 908-766-8215. Visit www.nps.gov/morr Rockingham in Franklin Township is another mansion where General Washington resided. The recently restored house is considered Washington’s last wartime headquarters. Rockingham is available for guided tours with an advanced reservation. For information call 609- 683-7132. Visit www.rockingham.net Places to Stay and Eat in the Trenton Area The Nassau Inn- This historic hotel built in 1756 is located across the street from Princeton University in the heart of downtown Princeton. For information call 609-921-7500. The Lawrenceville Inn in Lawrenceville is a beautiful Victorian farmhouse built in 1892 that offers quality cuisine in a cozy atmosphere. For information call (609) 219-1900. Visit www.lawrencevilleinn.com The Ferry House, located in the center of Princeton on Witherspoon Street, is a critically acclaimed French-American restaurant. For information call 609 924-2488. Visit www.theferryhouse.com Brochures on other New Jersey attractions and events including the African American Visitors Guide are available free at all New Jersey Tourist information offices, or by calling the New Jersey Office of Travel and Tourism at 1-800-VISITNJ or via the state’s tourism Web site at www.visitnj.org.
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