In June of 1778, the British Army began their evacuation of Philadelphia, hoping to reconsolidate their forces in New York. Their march northward eventually led them through present-day Millstone Township…

The decision stemmed from news of the Treaty of Alliance (1778) between America and France, which was ready to lend military and naval support in the War for American Independence. The British chose to abandon Philadelphia in favor of regrouping in New York and adopting a defensive position.

Rather than sailing down the Delaware River and around New Jersey, the British opted to march across New Jersey to New York, fearing that the new American-French alliance might intercept the massive transport fleet.

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