The Middlebrook encampment was a seasonal encampment of the Continental Army during the American War for Independence near Middle Brook in Bridgewater Township, New Jersey (between Martinsville and Bound Brook) in 1777 and again in 1778–79.
”Washington's Rock and Middlebrook locations"
The site includes part of the ridge of the First Watchung Mountain. Its position provided a natural fortress not only protecting the Continental Army but also overlooking the plains towards New Brunswick, where the British forces were stationed in 1777. The strategic strength of the position contributed ultimately to the success of the Continental Army by lengthening the war and wearying the British forces
”Washington's Rock"
In "Report on the Middlebrook Encampment by the Continental Army during the middle of 1777 and the winter of 1778-79" by A. A. Boom, 1975, Boom says:
"Possible weak spots in Washington's bulwark, were the two ravines, the Basking Ridge Road [present day Vosseller Ave.] and the Middle Brook gorge [present day Chimney Rock rd.]. The former had a road, but the narrow gorge was almost impassable. Also he had a wide view of the country around New Brunswick, only seven miles away, the road to Pluckemin [present day Washington Valley Rd.], and the course of the Raritan. He could watch the British General Howe's movements continually.
The observation post was his "Rock" on the south-side cliffs of MiddleBrook Heights. Moreover, he could move his army, blocked from view by the mountain ridge, to either flank of the British camp. He and his men thus formed a constant threat to the British and could harass them almost at will. Eventually Howe was forced to fall back from New Brunswick to Perth Amboy and finally into New York City.
”Washington's Rock"
This cache is one of "The American Revolution Geo~Trail" caches throughout New Jersey. These special geocaches are hidden at historic locations which have a connection to important New Jersey's American Revolutionary War history. To participate in the optional Geo-Trail, after you find the geocache, locate the secret code and record it into your passport which you will print from the Geo~Trail website. Information at njpatriots.org
”njpatriots.org"
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nnjc.org & metrogathering.org, & njpatriots.org