Red Bank Battlefield Park, Whitall House, and Fort Mercer

100 Hessian Avenue, National Park, NJ 08063

(856) 853-5120

www.gloucestercountynj.gov

In 1748, Quakers Ann and James Whitall established a 400-acre plantation at Red Bank along the Delaware River. This bustling plantation included fruit orchards, a lumberyard, a shad fishery, livestock and a ferry. In 1777, British soldiers urged local residents along the Delaware River to leave their homes and find safety. Ann refused to leave, even moving her spinning wheel into the basement after a cannonball burst through the wall of her house. In October that year, Continental forces inflicted heavy losses on Hessian soldiers. The Whitall home served as a field hospital during the battle, earning Ann Whitall the nickname, “the Heroine of Red Bank” because of her work ministering to the wounded and dying.

The house and battlefield are now part of the Gloucester County Park system. Interpretation at the house includes the stories of African Americans in the Revolution and the role of indentured servants on the plantation. In addition to programs about the Battle of Red Bank, the restored house offers tours seasonally and hosts monthly heritage days on all aspects of 18th century life.

WHAT TO SEE AND DO

• Take a guided or self-guided tour
• Take in one of the monthly Heritage Days
• Participate in the annual 18th century field day
• See a scale model of Fort Mercer
• Watch the re-enactment of the Battle of Red Bank
• Enjoy the hiking and walking trails