The Battle of Red Bank resulted in one of the most lopsided victories for the Continental Army, with only 14 American casualties compared to over 300 Hessian casualties.
Colonel Christopher Greene led the defense of Fort Mercer, effectively halting British attempts to secure the Delaware River supply line.
Ann Whitall, the resident of the onsite farmhouse, famously remained in her home during the heat of the battle, allegedly spinning wool while cannonballs struck the exterior.
The park contains an obelisk monument erected in 1906 to commemorate the soldiers who died during the October 1777 engagement.
The Delaware River location was chosen for the fort because it sat on a bluff that provided a tactical advantage for blocking enemy ships.
The Whitall House interior features original structural elements that show where cannonballs impacted the building during the 1777 fighting.
The park is part of the larger 'National Park' borough, which earned its name from the protected historic lands rather than a federal status.
Red Bank Battlefield Park is the site of the 1777 Battle of Red Bank where American forces successfully defended Fort Mercer against a larger Hessian contingent. The park features the remaining earthworks of Fort Mercer, which are preserved as a historic landmark overlooking the Delaware River. It houses the Whitall House, an 18th-century brick structure that served as a field hospital during the conflict. The grounds provide expansive waterfront views and integrated recreational amenities including playgrounds and picnic areas. Interpretive signage throughout the park explains the strategic significance of the fort in protecting Philadelphia from British naval access. The site is maintained by Gloucester County and spans approximately 44 acres. Visitors can access walking trails that navigate through the historic landscape and riverfront sections. The park serves as a hub for both historical education and outdoor community leisure.
The riverfront overlook during golden hour for shots of the Delaware River and the fort's earthworks.
Explore the riverfront path at low tide to see the remains of wooden pilings once used as river obstructions.
Check the county website for reenactment schedules, as the park occasionally hosts historical demonstrations.
Bring binoculars for spotting commercial shipping traffic moving along the Delaware River.
Do not attempt to swim in the Delaware River, as it has strong currents and is not a designated swimming area.
The Whitall House has seasonal operating schedules and is typically closed to interior tours on Mondays and Tuesdays.
Respect historical monuments and refrain from climbing on protected earthworks.
