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In a previous blog post I mentioned that The Revolutionary War began on April 19th, 1775. I recently saw a news article which talked about this year being the 250th anniversary of undoubtedly the most pivotal point in our history. It all began with Paul Revere hanging two lights in the Old North Church in Boston, warning the troops that the British were coming by sea…a reference to “one if by land, two if by sea”.

On April 24th, 1775, news reached New Jersey of the events that had taken place in Massachusetts. To celebrate this time in New Jersey’s history, the RevolutionNJ 250 State Committee has asked communities across the state to host “2 Lights” night events this year.

The website Crossroads of the American Revolution states that New Jersey was the most important colony in the American Revolution. Here are some of the notable reasons why.

· “Strategically located between New York City and Philadelphia, New Jersey saw more revolutionary action and activity, over a longer period of time, than any other colony.

· New Jersey was the place where the most important moment of the war, ‘the Turning Point of the Revolution,’ took place. It was here at Christmastime in 1776 where Washington crossed the Delaware, and over ‘Ten Crucial Days,’ won two battles in Trenton and a third in Princeton, and saved the Revolution.

· George Washington spent one-quarter of his time as General leading troops in New Jersey. We can truly say, “Washington slept here,” more than in any other state.”