Army Meets Town – Trenton 1781

The Trent House Association presents the third annual re-enactment of the days in late August/early September 1781 when thousands of soldiers and support personnel camped in and around Trenton. This free event is on Saturday, August 26, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on the Trent House Museum grounds at 15 Market Street in Trenton, across from the Hughes Justice Complex. This is a free program and free parking is available at the rear of the Museum property.

In late August-early September 1781, General Washington’s Continental troops and General Rochambeau’s French troops converged in Trenton where they prepared to cross the Delaware River.

Thousands of soldiers and accompanying civilians with horses and oxen pulling wagons and artillery carriages camped in and around the small town of about 500 residents. The encampment lasted several days as cannon were ferried across the river and people on foot and wagons forded at the Falls of the Delaware. Imagine the impact of the army’s presence on Trenton and how members of the army might have interacted with townspeople.

This family-friendly event includes crafts and activities for school-age children and a “scavenger hunt” with prizes. Meet soldiers of Le Regiment Bourbonnais, a French infantry unit, and African American infantry of the 1st Rhode Island Regiment. Watch the Continental regiment, Lamb’s Artillery, set up their cannon. Visit the town’s doctor and find out how he would treat various ailments. Meet the schoolmaster and make a horn book for practicing reading. Watch the blacksmith at work and shop at the peddler’s stall in the market.