Outside Tours Of Historic Whitall House Set For This Summer

GLOUCESTER COUNTY, NJ — The Whitall House in National Park will be open for outside tours this summer, Gloucester County officials announced.

The one-hour tour includes the history of the 1748 Whitall House, colonial farming and the Revolutionary War battle that changed the Whitall family’s life forever.

“The outdoor tours will give visitors an in-depth look at the history of the Whitall House and the history of Red Bank Battlefield,” Gloucester County Freeholder Director Robert M. Damminger said.

Tours will be limited to 10 participants, who must wear face coverings and follow social distancing guidelines as set forth by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Registered guests will meet at the front of the Whitall House on Hessian Avenue.

“This tour will give visitors the opportunity to learn about the history of Red Bank while safely social distancing,” Gloucester County Freeholder Jim Lavender, liaison to the Department of Parks and Recreation, said.

The Whitall House was built in 1766 and added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1973. In 1777, American forces built Fort Mercer immediately north of the house, according to the county's website.

Hundreds of Hessian soldiers died in a battle near the house on Oct. 22, 1777. They were buried just north of the house, which served as a field hospital during the fighting.

Anyone interested in attending must register ahead of time here: https://www.eventbrite.com/o/red-bank-battlefield-30707103536

For more information, call the Department of Parks and Recreation at (856) 251-6710 or visit www.gloucestercountynj.gov.