What is Red Bank?
The James and Ann Whithall Plantation called Red Bank
In 1748 this historic site was just an ordinary plantation, built by James Whitall, who had inherited the land from his father. Little did James know that this manor that he had built overlooking the peaceful Delaware would one day be involved in a war that would rock the foundation of the colonies. The plantation spread out over 411 fertile acres and was named Red Bank. When the war broke out Ann and James Whitall stayed in their home even though the chances that they would be close to the fighting was very good since they were located on the river, not far from Philadelphia. In April of 1777, part of Whitall`s house was used as a command headquarters and a fort (Fort Mercer) was built on their apple orchid. Another fort (Fort Miffin) was built across the river on the Pennsylvania side. The two forts were to protect the continental capital of Philadelphia and prevent the British fleet from moving up river.
War Comes to Red Bank
On October 22, 1777 War comes to Red Bank
British General William Howe marches on the city of Philadelphia and on September 11, 1777 defeats George Washington and the continental army at the battle of Brandywine. General Howe soon commands the city. He now needs to open up the Delaware river to supply his army. General George Washington issues orders to Colonel Christopher Greene to defend Fort Mercer at any cost.
On the evening on October 22nd Colonel Carl Von Donop and 2,000 Hessian troops attack Fort Mercer.
Ann Whitall was spinning wool when a cannon ball came straight through one of the walls of the house. She refused to leave and took her spinning wheel to the cellar and continued her work. She remained to tend to the wounded after the battle and is known for her actions as, “The Angel of the Battle of Red Bank”.
A month after the battle of Red Bank the fort was evacuated and the Whitalls left the house. The British ransacked it but there would be no restitution from the British or the new American government. The Whitalls returned to their home six months later. Generations of Whitalls lived in the house up until 1862.
In the late 1890's the home was purchased by the federal government through President Teddy Roosevelt to be preserved as a Historic landmark. It was transferred from the Federal Government to the care of Gloucester County in 1905. Since then it has stood as a national historic site.
British General William Howe marches on the city of Philadelphia and on September 11, 1777 defeats George Washington and the continental army at the battle of Brandywine. General Howe soon commands the city. He now needs to open up the Delaware river to supply his army. General George Washington issues orders to Colonel Christopher Greene to defend Fort Mercer at any cost.
On the evening on October 22nd Colonel Carl Von Donop and 2,000 Hessian troops attack Fort Mercer.
Ann Whitall was spinning wool when a cannon ball came straight through one of the walls of the house. She refused to leave and took her spinning wheel to the cellar and continued her work. She remained to tend to the wounded after the battle and is known for her actions as, “The Angel of the Battle of Red Bank”.
A month after the battle of Red Bank the fort was evacuated and the Whitalls left the house. The British ransacked it but there would be no restitution from the British or the new American government. The Whitalls returned to their home six months later. Generations of Whitalls lived in the house up until 1862.
In the late 1890's the home was purchased by the federal government through President Teddy Roosevelt to be preserved as a Historic landmark. It was transferred from the Federal Government to the care of Gloucester County in 1905. Since then it has stood as a national historic site.
Red Bank Today
Today, the James and Ann Whitall House is open to the public for tours Wednesday to Sunday during April through mid-October 1 to 4 p.m. Special events include: Heritage Days; Herb Garden Flower Show; 18th Century Field Day; and a Colonial Candlelight Christmas Open House, in December.
Thousands of visitors each year come to the 44-acre passive historical park which includes picnic groves and pavilions, riverfront pathways and pier (offering scenic view of Delaware River), remains of Fort Mercer, playgrounds and nature landscaping and foliage.
Thousands of visitors each year come to the 44-acre passive historical park which includes picnic groves and pavilions, riverfront pathways and pier (offering scenic view of Delaware River), remains of Fort Mercer, playgrounds and nature landscaping and foliage.
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