Somerset County Hosts Sign Unveiling At Historic Van Horne House

Press release from the Somerset County Government:

04/05/2022 12:00 PM

SOMERVILLE – Somerset County’s Heritage Trail Association recently hosted an unveiling ceremony for an interpretative sign at the historic Van Horne House. Shortly before the Battle of Bound Brook’s 245th anniversary and in preparation for the nation’s 250th anniversary in 2026, the interpretive sign is the sixth sign in New Jersey to be installed at a historic site and will help tourists easily identify Revolutionary War-era sites. To view the unveiling ceremony, click here.

“We are proud of our heritage, history, and Somerset County's connection to the Revolutionary War,” said Commissioner Deputy Director Melonie Marano. “This sign provides interesting details about the Van Horne House and will inspire visitors to explore more historic areas around the county.”

Interpretive signs help raise greater awareness about New Jersey’s deep connection to the Revolutionary War and inform the public about historical events and places. The easily readable and engaging details displayed on the signs are meant to incite visitors to want to learn more about the site.

The interpretative Van Horne sign allows visitors all-day every-day access to brief historical overviews of the Van Horne House, the Battle of Bound Brook, and Middlebrook Encampment.

The Van Horn House is owned by Somerset County and leased to the Heritage Trail Association for interpretation and programming. The creation and installation of the sign was coordinated by the Somerset County Cultural & Heritage Commission and the Crossroads of the American Revolution Association, a nonprofit organization and funded by NJM Insurance.

During the American Revolution, the Van Horne house served as a stop for generals Benjamin Lincoln and William Alexander. In the Battle of Bound Brook in 1777, Lord Cornwallis' troops fought with the American Patriots around the house, which has been nicknamed after the owner Philip Van Horne as Phil’s Hill.

Crossroads of the American Revolution Association
Crossroads is a nonprofit organization dedicated to connecting the people and places of New Jersey’s rich Revolutionary heritage to inspire community pride, stewardship, and civic engagement. The National Heritage area encompasses approximately 2,155 square miles in New Jersey including 212 municipalities in 14 counties throughout the entire state to help tell the history of the American Revolution.

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This press release was produced by the Somerset County Government. The views expressed here are the author’s own.