Located in my hometown of Belleville, New Jersey, the Belleville Dutch Reformed Church, built in 1697, is perhaps one of the most significant historical sites in the United States. Though my personal connection to said Church is limited as it is not something I see every day because it is on the opposite side of town, it is the Church's overall history that is quite intriguing. To begin, the Church played a huge role during the American Revolution regarding General George Washington's retreat route (“REVOLUTIONARY WAR SITES IN BELLEVILLE, NEW JERSEY.”). With that, the Church's cemetery is the resting place for over sixty Revolutionary war soldiers (“REVOLUTIONARY WAR SITES IN BELLEVILLE, NEW JERSEY.”). Moreover, the Church was a significant part of the route for the Underground Railroad as escaped slaves would hide inside the Church during the day and continue their journeys north during the night (Perrone 1). All in all, the Belleville Dutch Reformed Church has an intriguing history that I had not known prior to completing this assignment.
Works Cited
“REVOLUTIONARY WAR SITES IN BELLEVILLE, NEW JERSEY.” Belleville New Jersey Revolutionary War Sites | Belleville Historic Sites. Newark, N.J., The Carteret Book Club. Accessed October 19, 2022. https://www.revolutionarywarnewjersey.com/new_jersey_revolutionary_war_sites/towns/belleville_nj_revolutionary_war_sites.htm.
Perrone, Michael. “Historian: Belleville Was Anti-Slavery Stronghold.” North Jersey Media Group. NorthJersey, February 9, 2018. https://www.northjersey.com/story/news/essex/belleville/2018/02/05/belleville-historian-town-stronghold-anti-slavery-movement/301622002/.
Photo Credit: Brandon Lee
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