Trenton Housing Authority honors city's revolutionary history with National 'Victory Town' program

The Trenton Housing Authority partners with a national nonprofit to recognize Trenton's role in the American Revolution.

Mar. 12, 2026 at 10:18am

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The Trenton Housing Authority (THA) has signed an agreement with the National Washington-Rochambeau Revolutionary Route Association (W3R-US) to recognize Trenton as a 'Victory Town' on the route taken by American and French soldiers marching to victory at Yorktown in 1781. The collaboration includes 'Victory Town' branding, signage, and a historic marker along Trenton's MLK Boulevard and Brunswick Avenue. THA and W3R-US also plan to pursue grant funding to erect a monument honoring the Black and indigenous soldiers of the Continental Army, including the famous Rhode Island Regiment, who marched through Trenton.

Why it matters

This initiative aims to increase awareness of Trenton's pivotal role in the American Revolution and the contributions of Black and indigenous soldiers who helped secure victory at Yorktown. By recognizing Trenton as a 'Victory Town,' the city's revolutionary history is being celebrated and preserved for future generations.

The details

The agreement between THA and W3R-US includes 'Victory Town' branding and signage along Trenton's MLK Boulevard and Brunswick Avenue, as well as a cast aluminum historic marker. The organizations also signed a memorandum of understanding to pursue grant funds to erect a monument honoring the soldiers of color who marched through the city's Battle Monument Neighborhood to help win the decisive victory at Yorktown.

  • The Trenton Housing Authority and W3R-US applied for a grant from the Capital City Redevelopment Corporation this month to help pay for the fabrication and installation of the monument.
  • Depending on success with grants and fundraising, the monument may take about two years to complete.
  • THA and W3R-US plan to erect a Victory Town historic marker at Trenton's 'Five-Points' in time for the nation's 250th anniversary celebration on July 4 this year.

The players

Trenton Housing Authority (THA)

The local housing authority that signed the agreement with W3R-US to recognize Trenton as a 'Victory Town' and honor the city's revolutionary history.

National Washington-Rochambeau Revolutionary Route Association (W3R-US)

A national nonprofit group that promotes the National Park Service trail of the same name, a 700-mile trail that passes through about 200 municipalities between New England and Virginia.

Clifford Godfrey

The executive director of the Trenton Housing Authority.

Brad Fay

The Victory Towns Director at W3R-US.

Algernon Ward

A North Ward resident and local reenactor who portrayed a soldier in the Rhode Island Regiment and whose likeness will be used in the monument.

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What they’re saying

“Trentonians should be deeply proud of the fact that our city played such a key role in the American Revolution, not only at the Battles of Trenton in 1776 and 1777, but also on the march to victory in 1781.”

— Clifford Godfrey, Executive Director, Trenton Housing Authority

“Our aim with this project is to increase awareness of the fact that many of the soldiers in the Continental Army were Black and indigenous, including many members of the famous Rhode Island Regiment who we aim to honor with a monument.”

— Clifford Godfrey, Executive Director, Trenton Housing Authority

What’s next

THA and W3R-US plan to erect a Victory Town historic marker at Trenton's 'Five-Points' in time for the nation's 250th anniversary celebration on July 4 this year. Depending on success with grants and fundraising, the monument honoring the Black and indigenous soldiers of the Continental Army may take about two years to complete.

The takeaway

By recognizing Trenton as a 'Victory Town' and honoring the contributions of Black and indigenous soldiers, this initiative celebrates the city's pivotal role in the American Revolution and helps preserve its revolutionary history for future generations.