Sussex County History Today: A short summary of the Revolutionary Way

In today’s column I will cover the American Revolutionary War in total, and in brief, so that we can have a simple overall understanding of it. Then, in ensuing weeks we will speak about the battles that our Sussex County citizens took part in.

The war began in April 1775 when British troops marched to seize colonial weapons in Massachusetts, sparking the Battles of Lexington and Concord. Colonial militias forced the British back to Boston, beginning the Siege of Boston, where early engagements like Bunker Hill demonstrated American resolve despite British victory.

In 1776, the British shifted focus to New York. The Battle of Long Island resulted in a major British victory, pushing George Washington’s army across New Jersey. Yet Washington struck back with bold winter maneuvers, crossing the Delaware River and winning the Battle of Trenton, restoring American morale.

The Saratoga campaign (1777) marked a turning point. British General Burgoyne’s attempt to cut off New England failed, and his surrender at Saratoga convinced France to join the war on the American side in 1778. This transformed the conflict into a global war involving France, Spain, and the Netherlands.

After stalemates in the North, Britain turned south in 1778-80, hoping to rally Loyalist support. They captured Savannah and Charleston, but faced fierce resistance in the Carolinas. Battles like Guilford Court House weakened British forces despite tactical victories.

The final major movement came in 1781, when British General Cornwallis moved into Virginia. Washington and French General Rochambeau coordinated a massive troop movement from New York to Virginia, trapping Cornwallis at Yorktown. The French navy blocked escape by sea, and Cornwallis surrendered on Oct. 19, 1781, effectively ending major combat.

The war formally concluded with the with the Treaty of Paris (1783), in which Britain recognized American independence and ceded territory east of the Mississippi River.

As a start to recognizing local players, Robert Ogden II lived in the town named after him—Ogdensburg. At least two sons were in the military—Aaron, who later became a New Jersey governor and Matthias. Two images are shown. One is of the Battle of Quebec from December of 1775 led by General Montgomery and Colonel Benedict Arnold where Major Matthias Ogden participated. In a famous painting of the death of General Montgomery, Matthias is a central figure. The other watercolor is of a ship coming from France with word of the Treaty of Paris that ended the war. It is reputed that Matthias, 7 years later as a business representative of the U.S. to France, having returned with the word of the treaty.