During the American Revolution, Elizabethtown, New Jersey, served as a critical outpost just miles from British-occupied New York. Its homes, churches, taverns, and public spaces played pivotal roles as headquarters, meeting places, and encampments for Continental troops and patriot leaders.

This elegant home, once occupied by Governor Jonathan Belcher and later by prominent local figures, became an important meeting place for Revolutionaries. It symbolized Elizabethtown’s deep commitment to the patriot cause

Churches often served as makeshift military hospitals and meeting halls during the war. Given its central role in Elizabethtown’s life, the Old First Church likely hosted key gatherings and strategy sessions during the conflict.

Residences belonging to men like Elias Dayton, a colonel in the Continental Army and father of Constitution signer Jonathan Dayton, were natural gathering places for military planning and coordination.

Taverns such as the Red Lion Inn near Elizabethtown were strategic centers where soldiers met, exchanged intelligence, and coordinated raids across the Arthur Kill from British-held Staten Island​

This public common became a rallying point for militia drills, official proclamations, and possibly served as a staging area for temporary encampments. The Green remained a symbol of civic pride and resistance throughout the war.

Because of its strategic importance, Elizabethtown suffered repeated raids and devastating attacks. In January 1780, for instance, British forces conducted one of several nighttime assaults, burning parts of the town and driving patriot forces back inland​.

Despite the destruction, Elizabethtown’s commitment never wavered. It remained an active link between Washington’s army and other Continental forces in New Jersey and Pennsylvania.