On the cold, drizzly morning of November 20, 1776, a mere four months after the Second Continental Congress declared us to be an independent nation, the mighty British army mounted an invasion of Bergen County. Their goal was the capture of the American garrison at Fort Lee; the garrison’s only means of escape lay across a small wooden drawbridge at New Bridge Landing in what is now River Edge and New Milford. 

On Saturday evening, November 18, 2023, 7:00 p.m. historian Jim Smith will read selections from the American Crisis at the Bridge and follow with an illustrated presentation on the Geography of New Jersey and it's impact on the war in the Steuben House. Saturday Evening is by donation.

On Sunday, November 19, 2023, from 10:00 a.m. to 3:30 p.m., you can walk with Generals Washington and Greene and trod the path of the tattered American army at the Bergen County Historical Society’s reenactment of the patriots’ Retreat to Victory across the bridge that saved a nation.

Gather by the bridge at 11:00 to watch American forces make their escape from the British army and to see Generals Washington and Greene on horseback lead the beleaguered Fort Lee garrison to safety. At 1:45, another skirmish will take place between Patriot and British forces across the site; follow along as General Washington and his mounted officers direct their forces throughout the encounter. Take this opportunity to see our revolutionary New Jersey history acted out before your eyes!

In between reenactments, spend some time visiting the houses, barn, and out-kitchen, where our trained guides will be happy to take you on a tour of life in eighteenth century Bergen County; have the kids participate in the Children’s Drill at noon or at 2:30 outside the Demarest House; stand in Washington’s footsteps on the bridge to learn about the Revolutionary War at New Bridge at 12:15, and see a Horse Demonstration at 1:10 in the Meadow, where you can also chat with troops about their life in the 1770s military. Lastly, feel free to join your fellow citizens at the tavern.

Before New Bridge Landing closes at 4 p.m., you can do some early Christmas shopping in the gift shop and enjoy seasonal refreshments, both in the Black Horse Tavern.

For safety and for the enjoyment of all involved, please follow the directions of the BCHS volunteers during the reenactments. As this day involves many outdoor activities, dress comfortably for the weather.

Find us at 1201 Main Street, River Edge, NJ, just down the road from The Shops at Riverside Mall. Free parking is available onsite, or take the New Jersey Transit train (Pascack Valley Line) to New Bridge Landing station, two blocks away. Dogs are permitted outside on leash, but not in the buildings. 

This event is subject to change and updates.

Tickets may be bought at the gate, but reservations are encouraged. To fund this extraordinary event, adult tickets are $10 for BCHS members, $15 for non-members, and under the age of 18 years are free.  Consider a BCHS membership! Make your ticket reservations.

Retreat Poster pdf for download, help promote our events.

REENACTORS:  Link for Registration, Sign Up For Historic New Bridge Landing! https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSfgV9EpRp1m9CUC-K13BzpaR-j2kQP04GNI0pXPof8rwVbHhw/viewform?usp=sf_link