Abraham Staats House - Battle of Bound Brook
We will start the day visiting the Abraham Staats House, this is one of the finest surviving buildings from the Dutch Settlement of the Raritan Valley in the 18th century. The house (constructed circa 1740), had an interesting history during the American Revolution when it served as the headquarters of General von Steuben during the second Middlebrook Encampment in 1779. General Washington is said to have visited Von Steuben at the house on two occasions. The house was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 2002.
During our visit we will experience the annual re-enactment of the Battle of Bound Brook. This battle on April 13, 1777 was a surprise attack conducted by British and Hessian forces against a Continental Army outpost during the American Revolutionary War. You will experience Military Training and Drills, portrayed by living history re-enactors as American and British troops. You will also see how the soldiers camped in 1777.
We will enjoy a lunch at a Restaurant
Ringing Rocks County Park
Next, we will visit Ringing Rocks County Park in Pennsylvania. This is a 128 acre park with a seven-acre boulder field piled 10-feet high, which ring like bells when struck lightly with a hammer. This park has a powerful draw for geologists as well as hikers, walkers, bikers and picnickers.
To get to the boulder field we will indulge in a short hike on fairly level ground.
Scientists have looked for reasons for the ringing, but haven’t found one. Ringing rocks are also known as sonorous rocks or lithophonic rocks. All the rocks are made of the same material, a high content of iron and aluminum but only a third ring when struck. Rocks that ring are known as “live” rocks, and those that don’t are referred to as “dead” rocks.
Red Mill Museum
Lastly, we will visit the Red Mill Museum. The Red Mill is a historical site located along the Raritan River in Clinton, New Jersey. It was originally built around 1810 as an industrial wool mill. It is now a museum that is part of the RedMill Museum Village. You will receive a guided tour of the museum.
The Red Mill Museum Village is a private, non-profit museum on a 10 acre site which includes the mill and many other 18th and 19th-historical buildings including a one room school house, a worker's shack, a blacksmith shop, wagon sheds and a log cabin.
The museum sites are connected by a picturesque iron bridge build in 1870. The bridge is connected to the old downtown business district of Clinton. Clinton is a town that has preserved its Victorian atmosphere and many storefronts and signs proudly maintain a traditional character. But you will also feel a rural and a casual vibe that many visitors find refreshing.
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