Nestled in the rolling hills of central New Jersey, the Middlebrook Encampment played a pivotal role in the American Revolution. Situated near the Watchung Mountains, this location provided General George Washington and the Continental Army with a strategic advantage that proved invaluable in the fight for independence. But beyond its military significance, Middlebrook is also believed to be the site where the first American flag—the one with the 13 stars in a field of blue—was flown in a formal setting, marking a powerful moment in the birth of the United States.
Why Middlebrook?
During the Revolutionary War, geography often dictated strategy. Washington’s army needed a defensible position to regroup and prepare for future engagements with the British. The Watchung Mountains provided a natural barrier, making it difficult for enemy forces to mount a surprise attack. Additionally, the location was close enough to New Brunswick and other key areas in New Jersey to keep an eye on British movements while allowing Washington to maneuver his troops efficiently (Fitzpatrick, 1932).
Washington and his army first encamped at Middlebrook from December 1776 to January 1777. This brief stay followed their dramatic victories at Trenton and Princeton, two battles that boosted American morale and helped shift the tide of the war. However, the more significant encampment came later.
The Second Middlebrook Encampment (May–November 1777)
The second and most famous Middlebrook encampment lasted from May to November 1777. This was a crucial period in the Revolution, as the British attempted to capture Philadelphia, the colonial capital. Washington stationed his army at Middlebrook to block British advances and monitor General Sir William Howe, who commanded British forces in New York (Leiby, 1962).
Despite being outnumbered and undersupplied, Washington’s forces held firm. The British attempted to lure the Americans into an open battle, but Washington wisely refused, knowing his army was better suited for defensive warfare and guerrilla tactics rather than direct engagements with the well-trained Redcoats. This decision frustrated the British and forced them to abandon attempts to march through New Jersey directly (Stryker, 1901).
The First American Flag at Middlebrook
One of the most fascinating stories associated with Middlebrook is its connection to the first official American flag.
The Flag Resolution of June 14, 1777, adopted by the Continental Congress, established the Stars and Stripes as the official flag of the United States. The resolution stated:
"Resolved, That the flag of the thirteen United States be thirteen stripes, alternate red and white; that the union be thirteen stars, white in a blue field, representing a new constellation." (Journals of the Continental Congress, 1777).
Shortly after this declaration, Washington’s army was still encamped at Middlebrook, making it one of the first places where the newly designed flag was publicly flown in a military setting (Middlebrook Chapter, NSDAR). This moment symbolized the unity and identity of the fledgling nation, reinforcing the commitment to independence.
Some historians believe that the first-ever military salute to the flag occurred here, as foreign dignitaries, particularly French and Polish officers, were in the area and observed the American colors waving proudly (Leepson, 2005). While there is some debate over whether Middlebrook was indeed the very first place the flag was flown, it remains a strong candidate due to its strategic importance and the timing of the encampment.
Middlebrook’s Lasting Legacy
The Middlebrook Encampment wasn't just a temporary wartime shelter—it was a turning point in American military history. Washington’s use of defensive strategy, combined with his army’s resilience, helped delay British advances and contributed to later victories, including at Saratoga and ultimately Yorktown (Fischer, 2004).
Today, the site is preserved as part of Washington’s Camp Ground in Bridgewater, New Jersey, with historical markers commemorating the events that took place there. Visitors can explore the rolling hills and imagine what it was like for the soldiers who camped there under Washington’s command.
Middlebrook remains a symbol of perseverance and strategy, and its connection to the first American flag serves as a powerful reminder of the moment when the dream of an independent nation truly began to take shape.
Sources
Fitzpatrick, John C. (1932). The Writings of George Washington from the Original Manuscript Sources, 1745-1799. U.S. Government Printing Office.
Leiby, Adrian C. (1962). The Revolutionary War in the Hackensack Valley: The Jersey Dutch and the Neutral Ground, 1775-1783. Rutgers University Press.
Stryker, William S. (1901). The Battles of Trenton and Princeton. Houghton Mifflin.
Journals of the Continental Congress, 1777. National Archives.
Middlebrook Chapter, NSDAR (Daughters of the American Revolution). The First Flag at Middlebrook.
Leepson, Marc (2005). Flag: An American Biography. Thomas Dunne Books.
Fischer, David Hackett (2004). Washington’s Crossing. Oxford University Press.