It is pretty amazing what you can pack into 44 acres. At Red Bank Battlefield Park you get history – centuries of it. There’s the historic Whitall House, the farmhouse that belonged to a local Quaker family before the Continental House impounded it for use as a field hospital which was desperately needed during a messy battle with Hessian and British troops. Outnumbered by the Brits and Germans 3 to 1, the Americans prevailed. But oh, the casualties. Staying true to her Quaker beliefs, the mistress of the house, Ann Whitall, tended anyone who was bleeding, without caring one bit whether they were British, Hessians or colonists.
The farmhouse still stands and is open for tours. There are also a number of special events throughout the year. And as you wander around the groves and orchard that surround Whitall House, you’ll stumble upon the remains of old Fort Mercer, which the Americans had erected not far from the Whitall’s home.
But history isn’t the only thing you’ll discover here. Set along the banks of the Delaware River, Red Bank Battlefield is a great place to just chill out. Groves of trees shade the edges of the riverbanks which makes it a fine place to sit and listen to the water slap up against the piers. Pack a picnic lunch and claim a spot in the picnic pavilions while you watch the young’ns climb and romp on the modern playground equipment.
P.S. The Americans did win that battle and it was a big morale booster for the Continental Army.