South Brunswick Unveils Marker Where Continental Army Camped Before Monmouth

SOUTH BRUNSWICK, NJ — A new state historical marker in South Brunswick tells two stories about Longbridge Farm. In one, George Washington's troops camp there on the way to the Battle of Monmouth. In the other, a Black man born on the farm goes to court to prove he is free.

The township unveiled the New Jersey Historical Commission marker at the parking area and entrance to its Freedom Trail, a 1.5-mile walking and biking trail. Officials said the location puts the marker where plenty of residents and visitors will see it.

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The New Jersey Historical Commission, a division of the New Jersey Department of State, put up the marker. It honors the 800-acre site's ties to the Revolutionary War and to early struggles for freedom in the state.

Mayor Charlie Carley attended the unveiling with Council members Jo Hochman, Archana "Ann" Grover and Patty Germain. Township Manager Bryan Bidlack, Public Affairs Coordinator Jennifer Poppy and Supervisor of Buildings, Grounds and Parks Mike Grennan were also there. So were Foreman Brian Sirois, Library Director Chris Carbone, Local History Librarian Kelan Amme, and Historic Preservation Commission members including Terry Caruso and John Daly.

"This historical marker ensures that the full story of Longbridge Farm — from General Washington's troops marching toward Monmouth to the resilience and freedom of Peter Ridley — remains part of our community's living history," Deputy Mayor Ken Bierman said. "Placing this marker at the entrance of our Freedom Trail allows residents and visitors to reflect on our shared past, the struggles for liberty, and the diverse individuals who shaped South Brunswick."

Bierman was not able to attend the unveiling.

A Stop On The Road To Monmouth

Thomas Lawrence, a mayor of Philadelphia, established Longbridge Farm in the 1730s. The Mershon and Rowland families later owned it.

Washington and his Continental Army troops camped on the plantation on June 25, 1778, ahead of the Battle of Monmouth. Jeremiah Greenman, a colonial soldier, wrote about the stop in his journal, according to the township.

The farm used enslaved labor during the colonial and Revolutionary eras, township officials said.

Peter Ridley was born there to free parents around 1761. An overseer forcibly took him to Long Island. After he returned, the Supreme Court of New Jersey confirmed his freedom in 1785 on a writ of habeas corpus, with help from affidavits signed by local residents.

What The Marker Says

The approved text reads:

"Longbridge Farm was established in the 1730s by Thomas Lawrence, Mayor of Philadelphia, and later owned by the Mershon and Rowland families. On June 25, 1778, before the Battle of Monmouth, George Washington's troops encamped on this 800-acre plantation. The farm operated using enslaved labor during the colonial and Revolutionary eras. It was the birthplace of Peter Ridley, a Black man with free parents, who was forcibly transported to Long Island by an overseer. Upon returning to Longbridge, the Supreme Court of New Jersey confirmed Ridley's freedom in 1785, aided by affidavits from local residents."

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