TRENTON – A resolution sponsored by Senator Shirley K. Turner that would recognize a 24-block area of Trenton as the “Trenton Battlefield Historic Heritage Area” received final legislative approval today.
“History students and Revolutionary War buffs know that Trenton played a pivotal role in the military campaigns of the War for Independence,” said Senator Turner, D-Mercer. “We can all identify Emanuel Leutze’s ‘Washington Crossing the Delaware’ and recount the victory of George Washington in Trenton on the day after Christmas. What many people do not realize is that many of the places that played a role in those battles are still around today. By creating the ‘Trenton Battlefield Historic Heritage Area’ we hope to draw more people to Trenton to personally experience New Jersey’s history.”
Senate Joint Resolution 55 would designate a 24-block area of the City of Trenton as the “Trenton Battlefield Historic Heritage Area.” The area will celebrate the role that Trenton played during the Revolutionary War, especially during the Battle of Trenton on December 26, 1776, when General George Washington crossed the Delaware with only 500 troops to successfully take Trenton, killing, wounding or capturing 1,100 Hessian troops while only suffering four casualties. The Heritage Area includes several historic buildings, including the Old Barracks Museum, the Trent House, the Trenton Battle Monument and the Trenton War Memorial.
“Trenton is more than just the place where government conducts its business – it’s also a city with a rich and proud history. It is my hope that we can expose more New Jersey residents to the unique historical treasures that Trenton holds. Children and adults of all ages can come to Trenton and spend the day imagining what it would have been like to fight in the army of George Washington,” added Senator Turner.
SJR-55 passed the Senate by a vote of 34-0. It will now be filed with the Secretary of State.