Cedar Bridge Tavern today

The Affair at Cedar Bridge is commemorated annually, across from the old Cedar Bridge Tavern, now owned by the County of Ocean, but still inhabited by its former owner.

 

The Loyalists, headed by Captain John Bacon (in blue)

The skirmish that took place was actually a "civil war" between a band of American Loyalists, headed by Captain John Bacon, a renowned privateer and Pinelands bandit; and American Patriots. The last of the Loyalists were "refugees" hiding out in the Pine Barrens near Manahawkin. It is considered the last skirmish of the Revolutionary War. It is definitely the last battle of the `civil' war that raged in New Jersey during the Revolution. After official hostilities waned, the frontier in the pinelands continued to serve as a safe haven for Loyalist `refugees'. The most notorious Loyalist, Capt. John Bacon and his band had a hide out in the pines near Manahawkin but by December 1782 the militia was close at hand.

 

The Patriots - Burlington Militia

The Burlington Militia of the Patriot forces was led by Captain Richard Shreve. On Christmas Day, he left Burlington with several horsement, his sights set on Captain Bacon. After searching for 2 days, they stopped at Cedar Bridge Tavern on their way back to Burlington. Captain Bacon was headed to the same watering hole with his men when he saw that the Militia was already there, so barricaded Cedar Bridge and began their befense. In the musket fire, Captain Shreve's uncle escaped into the woods. Shreve's group began a full-scale attack and almost overcame Bacon and his men, but a group of locals unexpectedly came to Bacon's assistance. In the confusion, Bacon escaped, and the locals surrendered to the Militia. A few months later, Bacon, who had a bounty of 50 Sterling on his head, was found in a tavern by Captian Stewart, where he was mortally wounded, and his body was desecrated.

Tim Hart, a well-known local expert on the history of the region, was the Master of Ceremonies. Normally a quiet-spoken man, Tim told the story with contagious enthusiasm and wit. Tim is the Executive Director of the Tuckerton Seaport.

Barnegat Township Mayor Jeff Melchoindo presented Mr. Hart with a proclamation designating December 27 as "CEDAR BRIDGE DAY."