Re-enactment
of
The Affair at Cedar Bridge
Held Annually on December 27
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.
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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.
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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.
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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 Historian of
Ocean County's Historical Society.
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Barnegat Township
Mayor Jeff Melchoindo presented Mr. Hart with a proclamation
designating December 27 as "CEDAR BRIDGE DAY."
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The re-enactment
is held each year, weather permitting, on December 27 at 2PM. The
site is located on Cedar Bridge Road in Barnegat, which runs between
Old Halfway Road (off Route 72) and Warren Grove Road which is between
Route 539 and Route 72. Call 609-971-3085 for more information. |
The Pine Barrens
is becoming a popular tourist destination. It offers history, nature, boating,
camping, fishing, swimming, and most of all, peace and tranquility. It's
important to families who live here, whether for a few years or many generations,
that our peace and tranquility be preserved.A local lawyer or doctor won't
look any different than his neighbor who works the land. Thousand dollar
suits aren't what impress people of the Pines - taking care of nature and
fellow man is what matters. To that end, it is important for you to know
that as a visitor to our precious Pine Barrens, you should show respect
for the flora and fauna, for the historical buildings or their remains,
and show respect for the "locals". Walk and drive gently. Treat
our Pine Barrens as you would want a visitor to treat your own home town
- and your own family. Thank you. |
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