Crooked Billet Elementary School Marks Revolutionary War Battle

HATBORO / HORSHAM TOWNSHIP, PA — As the nation prepares to celebrate its 250th birthday, elementary students brought the American Revolution to life on the very ground where the Battle of Crooked Billet was fought.

Crooked Billet Elementary School held its annual ceremony last Friday to mark the day of May 1, 1778, when the Revolutionary War came to the borough.

Students dressed in Colonial Era outfits opened the ceremony by raising the American flag and laying a tribute wreath at the Crooked Billet monument in front of the school.

During the ceremony, fifth-grade students provided some background on the Battle of Crooked Billet.

The battle began when revolutionaries under the command of Gen. John Lacey were attacked in the early morning hours by the British Redcoats, led by Lt. Colonel Abercromby.

The rebel troops had stopped on what is now school land to rest during their journey to deliver fresh food to troops at Valley Forge.

Twenty-six of them died in the surprise attack, including John Downey, a young schoolmaster.

The program concluded with students donning bonnets and tri-cornered hats performing a colonial line dance.

In addition to the outdoor ceremony, students sat in on assemblies.

Clint Flack represented the Mercer Museum for a presentation on the Doan Gang and their role during the Revolutionary War for grades 3-5. Additionally, all grades attended a Laser Light Show Assembly entitled “Star Spangled Spectacular.”

(Hatboro/Horsham School District)