Community Corner
East Brunswick, Edison Honor Heroes Of Battle Of Bennet’s Island With Historical Marker
The site is where Colonel John Neilson led a pre-dawn raid against British forces. The land was long left in neglect, but that's changed
EAST BRUNSWICK, NJ – On Feb. 18, 1777, New Jersey militia colonel John Neilson led around 200 men on a surprise pre-dawn raid of Bennet’s Island, located on the Raritan River.
During the raid, Major Richard Stockton and three other officers of the British forces were captured. Neilson lost only one man, according to historians. The raid helped Neilson and the Middlesex County militia to impede the British vessels attempting to supply New Brunswick.
The site of this important battle is surrounded lay near the loud turnpike near East Brunswick and Edison. It turned into a landfill and was forgotten. But in 1972, local historian Ann Alvarez came upon information on the site while doing some research.
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Since then, Alvarez, who is a member of the East Brunswick Historic Society has worked to bring attention to the forgotten battle. Alvarez along and local historians Many Alvarez and Timothy J. Lynch worked to create a historic portrayal of the events.
Last week, Alvarez got her wish of getting the site recognized, when the Mayors of East Brunswick and Edison unveiled the Bennet’s Island Historic Marker in a ceremony. The townships worked together to place the marker.
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“Kudos to Ann Alvarez from the EB Historical Society for uncovering this forgotten piece of American History. This true story of our role in helping achieve our nation’s independence resonates with everyone who roots for the underdog,” Mayor Brad Cohen said.
“Thank you to Edison township for working together with our township to help place the marker and celebrate its unveiling.”
The marker unveiling event was attended by the mayors and members of council from both townships.
“Here in Central New Jersey we have so much history that led to the independence of the USA. Today we recognized the Battle of Bennet's Island with a historical marker at our Edison Boat Basin,” Edison Mayor Sam Joshi said.
“I thank East Brunswick for collaborating with Edison and their historical society that helped put this together.”
Have a correction or news tip? Email sarah.salvadore@patch.com
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