The British Are Coming! Haddonfield Under (Fake) Siege Again

A New Jersey regiment of British forces are set to battle in the streets of downtown Haddonfield once again this coming weekend to mark the 235th anniversary of the British encampment.

Re-enactors of the Continental Army and the New Jersey Volunteer regiment (British Loyalists) will portray the scene of an 18th-century battle, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday on Kings Highway. A mock skirmish between the two warring armies starts at 1 p.m. as the New Jersey Volunteers emerge from the Indian King Tavern and encounter marching Colonials.

Visitors to the Indian King Tavern will be able to interact with period-dressed re-enactors and watch them go about a usual day in 1777. Children will even be able to stand guard and get (wooden) musket training by the soldiers.

The event marks the British occupation of Haddonfield during the height of the Revolutionary War, as well as a significant time in Haddonfield’s history.

“When the war came to Haddonfield it was a very uncomfortable place to live in in late 1777 and ’78, and so it’s a reminder that the American Revolution took place in your home town,” said Gary Stone, a historian for the Monmouth Battlefield State Park. “And to have a good time.”

According to Stone, Haddonfield, as well as the Indian King Tavern, was a major position during the battles for Philadelphia and Trenton and for a short time was home to the state Legislature.

“Haddonfield was very much in the crossfire of a war zone,” he said. “The British occupied Haddonfield four times. The United States forces garrisoned in Haddonfield and it was a forward operating base most of the time.”

A real battle has not occurred in the streets of Haddonfield in more than 200 years but neither has an event such as this, says spokeswoman Cheryl Squadrito.

“It’ll be pretty cool. It’s the first time in Haddonfield we’ve had anything like this,” Squadrito said. “It’s a really fun day of activities. There will be plenty of room on the sidewalks and it’s a free event. We just want people to come out and enjoy themselves. It’s the first time, in the 13 years that I’ve lived here, that I can remember them closing down Kings Highway for a skirmish.”

The event is sponsored by the Friends of the Indian King Tavern, the New Jersey State Parks Service and the Historical Society of Haddonfield, the costs of which were donated by Remington & Vernick Engineers. The event is part of a statewide initiative to encourage locals to visit their local parks throughout the month of June, according to the state Department of Environmental Protection.

The skirmish will take place on Kings Highway between Haddon Avenue and Grove Street and is expected to last roughly a half-hour.

Will you cheer on the Continential Army or those pesky British? Either way, take photos of the Haddonfield battle Saturday and upload them to our gallery.