Presentation: Mystery of the Revolutionary War Battle of Navesink, 1777
By Rick Geffken
Trenton, Princeton, Monmouth – these are the famous Revolutionary War battles fought in New Jersey. Yet a crucial early engagement, often overlooked and underappreciated, occurred in Highlands during the winter of 1777. In this little-remembered incident, British Major Andrew Gordon led the 26th Regiment of Foot in a surprise attack on Col. Nathaniel Scudder’s Monmouth Militia. The Whig patriots suffered 25 killed, and 72 captured. Many of the Monmouth P.O.W.s died in an infamous New York City sugar house prison after the disastrous defeat.
Monmouth Militia POWs were kept at the notorious
Livingston Sugar House in New York City
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7:00PM: Coffee and cookies at Bahrs 7:30: Presentation
Rick Geffken is a well known local historian, author, and speaker. His books include The Story of Shrewsbury Revisited, 1965-2015; Lost Amusement Parks of the North Jersey Shore; Hidden History of Monmouth County; To Preserve & Protect, profiles of people who recorded the history and heritage of Monmouth County, New Jersey; and Stories of Slavery in New Jersey.
In 2023, Rick was twice recognized for historical contributions.
The Monmouth County Historical Association gave him an award for outstanding service to Monmouth County history. He was also honored at the Monmouth County Clerk’s Archives and History Day event with the presentation of the Jane G. Clayton Award, given to an individual who made a major contribution to the preservation and knowledge of Monmouth County history.
Navesink Maritime Heritage Association
Navesink Maritime Heritage Association is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization dedicated to engaging Eastern Monmouth County with maritime and water related historical, skill building, environmental, and recreational activities, and encouraging responsible use of the Navesink estuary through its Discover, Engage, and Sustain approach.
