This cache is part of the 25 cache Pennsylvania State Parks America250PA GeoTrail. Have fun exploring and discovering Pennsylvania's history!
The success of the Revolution depended on more than winning battles. For independence to be successful the colonies needed to establish an effective government to replace the royal authorities.
The First Continental Congress which met from September 5 to October 26, 1774 in Carpenter’s Hall in Philadelphia was attended by delegates elected by residents of 12 of the 13 colonies. Those in attendance were not able to agree on uniform ideas. Some believed that the goal was to find a solution to the relationship difficulties with the crown and bring about reconciliation. Others believed that the task was to end what they felt were abuses of parliament and to retain their rights as guaranteed under Colonial charters and the English Constitution.
A compromise was reached and rather than calling for independence, the First Continental Congress signed the Continental Association in its Declaration and Resolves which called for a boycott of British goods to take effect in 1774. During this meeting, the Continental Association also adopted a system of committees that became the effective government for most counties, cities, and towns until the formal establishment of state governments. The initial role of the committees was to ensure that all colonists adhered to the boycott. Committees began forming in late 1774 and quickly took on the role of local government. They were usually democratically elected from middle class individuals with no prior political experience.
Northampton County’s Committee of Observation and Inspection was established on December 21, 1774 at the courthouse in Easton in Northampton County, Pennsylvania. On May 6, 1775, following the Battles of Lexington and Concord, they met in an emergency session and decided to form companies of armed men. Shortly after that they issued a resolution to pledge support of the Continental Congress and moved to restrict sales of arms and ammunition, recommend military training, and publish committee decisions in local newspapers. At this meeting they also determined that all citizens not in compliance with the regulations would be considered “enemies of the County”.
Northampton County’s Committee would also become responsible for local authority over the county and its functions which included handling judicial disputes and securing supplies. They also kept records of quotas of recruits and recommended offices to support the Flying Camp Battalions in the second half of 1776. Another part of their duties included providing quarters, provisions, and medical treatment for sick and wounded soldiers after the evacuation of Fort Lee. The committee’s final recorded meeting was on August 14, 1777.
One of the members of Northampton County’s Committee of Observation and Inspection was Johan Jacob Hubler, the likely namesake of the settlement of Jacobsburg and the center you are now visiting. He would have been 63 at the time of his election and he is recognized by the Daughters of the American Revolution for his patriotic service. He was elected to serve on the committee on October 2, 1775.
To help you step back in time, this cache will take you near the foundation of the Jacobsburg Inn which was built by Johann Jacob Hubler between 1780 and 1785. Take a moment to reflect on what life might have been like for people settling the area during the revolution.
For more information about this state park and its amenities please visit the website: Jacobsburg Environmental Education Center | Department of Conservation and Natural Resources| Commonwealth of Pennsylvania
