Battle of Bound Brook Reenactment Recalls 1777 Attack

Revolutionary War reenactors bring to life a pivotal clash in New Jersey's role in the American Revolution.

Apr. 13, 2026 at 3:24pm

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An impressionistic, out-of-focus photograph depicting the blurred silhouettes of 18th century colonial buildings and soldiers in period uniforms, conveying the hazy, atmospheric quality of a historical reenactment.The annual reenactment of the Battle of Bound Brook brings the Revolutionary War's history to life through immersive living history performances.Princeton Today

Revolutionary War reenactors returned to the streets and historic sites of Bound Brook and South Bound Brook this weekend to recreate the Battle of Bound Brook, the April 13, 1777, surprise British attack on a Continental Army outpost during the American Revolution. The engagement came as British forces under Lt. Gen. Charles Cornwallis sought to disrupt American operations in New Jersey following patriot victories at Trenton and Princeton, when Gen. George Washington's army was camped in Morristown.

Why it matters

The Battle of Bound Brook highlighted New Jersey's role as a contested battleground early in the Revolutionary War, as British forces sought to disrupt the Continental Army's operations in the state. The reenactment helps bring this pivotal moment in history to life for modern audiences.

The details

Outnumbered American troops commanded by Maj. Gen. Benjamin Lincoln resisted long enough to escape encirclement, allowing much of the garrison to withdraw even as British forces briefly occupied and plundered the town.

  • The Battle of Bound Brook took place on April 13, 1777.
  • The reenactment of the battle took place this past weekend.

The players

Lt. Gen. Charles Cornwallis

British commander who led the attack on the Continental Army outpost in Bound Brook.

Maj. Gen. Benjamin Lincoln

American commander who led the outnumbered Continental Army troops in the Battle of Bound Brook.

Gen. George Washington

Commander of the Continental Army, whose forces were camped in Morristown at the time of the Battle of Bound Brook.

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The takeaway

The Battle of Bound Brook reenactment serves as a powerful reminder of New Jersey's central role in the American Revolution, as the state's towns and cities became the backdrop for key clashes between the Continental Army and British forces.