America’s 250th anniversary is coming in 2026 and Burlington County is officially joining the celebration!
The Burlington County Commissioners voted last week to adopt a resolution supporting New Jersey’s plans to commemorate the United States’ founding and both the state’s and Burlington County’s pivotal roles in the American Revolution.
“The 250th anniversary of our nation is a once-in-a-generation moment and our Board is thrilled Burlington County is joining the statewide celebration to commemorate this historic milestone and shine a spotlight on the important role our county played in America’s struggle for independence,” said Burlington County Commissioner Director Felicia Hopson. “Burlington County has plenty of Revolutionary history to share, so we’re looking forward to participating in this statewide celebration.”
Burlington County’s resolution specifies the County will participate and promote RevolutionNJ, the statewide initiative to celebrate America’s 250th anniversary and New Jersey’s significance. RevolutionNJ plans to engage all 21 counties and 564 municipalities, along with local schools, businesses and community organizations.
State Senator Troy Singleton said he was thrilled to learn Burlington County had agreed to participate in the statewide celebration. “Our nation was created from the idea that all people deserve the rights to life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness. It was a bold concept back then and it remains the guiding principle of our government today,” said Senator Singleton. “As we prepare to celebrate our nation’s 250th anniversary, I’m encouraged my home county is joining this important statewide initiative to commemorate the milestone and reflect on the ideas, deeds and sacrifices that made our democracy possible.”
Burlington County and its residents played a significant part in America’s founding and the Revolution that followed. Francis Hopkinson, one of New Jersey’s five signers of the Declaration of Independence, lived in Bordentown, and the county was the site of several important Revolutionary War battles, notably the Battle of Petticoat Bridge in what is now Mansfield and Springfield, and the Battle of Iron Works Hill, also known as the Battle of Mount Holly. Both engagements are credited with keeping significant numbers of Hessian forces occupied and unable to support the occupying forces in Trenton during General George Washington’s daring surprise attack on Dec. 26, 1776.
Among the soldiers who crossed the Delaware with Washington was Burlington County-born Oliver Cromwell, a free Black farmer from Burlington County who served with the Colonial militia and Second New Jersey Regiment. Cromwell fought in several major battles, including the battles of Trenton, Princeton, Short Hills, Brandywine, Monmouth and Yorktown. George Washington awarded him the Badge of Merit when he was discharged in 1783.
Cromwell’s home still stands on East Union Street in Burlington City, and he is believed to be buried in the Broad Street Methodist Church cemetery in Burlington.
“Burlington County was at the heart of the American Revolution and the stories of Oliver Cromwell, Francis Hopkinson, Petticoat Bridge and Iron Works Hill deserve to be highlighted and shared during this nationwide celebration,” said Burlington County Commissioner Deputy Director Dan O’Connell. “Preserving, studying and promoting our history helps strengthen our communities and brings our residents closer together. By partnering with RevolutionNJ, we hope to make the upcoming 250th anniversary one that all our residents will enjoy and remember.”
