Editorial-June 19

Relive area’s history at walk, picnic

By: Mae Rhine
   Residents of the Lambertville, New Hope and West Amwell area will have a history lesson brought to them this weekend, and no one should pass up the opportunity to participate.
   Our area is rich in history. Among our legacies is being a "crossroads" of the Revolutionary War.
   We all knew Gen. George Washington crossed the Delaware River here. But now, thanks in large part to area historian John Hencheck, we know where Washington and his Continental Army marched through our area on his way to the pivotal Battle of Monmouth.
   Officials and the public will retrace his steps in Lambertville during a walk Saturday prior to the community celebration Sunday. The picnic will be followed by a hike through an historic section of West Amwell.
   The two-day celebration commemorates the 225th anniversary of Washington’s march to the Battle of Monmouth in June 1778. At that time, Washington and his troops, comprising 10,000 soldiers, pursued the British army as it retreated from Pennsylvania and crossed central New Jersey by crossing the Delaware River between present-day New Hope, Lambertville and West Amwell. One week later, the general and his army went on to win the Battle of Monmouth.
   This weekend’s festivities are truly a family outing not to be missed; another chance to combine learning with fun.
   For tickets, at $10 each, go to Lambertville City Hall, Lambertville Public Library, Dresswell’s or the Homestead Farm Market.
   For more information or to be a much-needed volunteer, call City Hall at 397-0110 or visit www.lambertville.org.