National Park Service Logo Image of Crossroads of the American Revolution in New Jersey Logo




Active Link Button to return to the Crossroads Home Page
Active Link Button to Public Response Document & Findings of No Significant Impact
Active Link Button to Complete Report
Active Link Button tothe Executive Summary
Inactive Link Button to access the Potential National Heritage Area Themes Page - You are here
Active Link Button to access the Study Schedule Page
Active Link Button to access the Public Involvement Page
Active Link Button to access the Partners Page
Active Link Button to access the Chronology of the War in New Jersey Page
Active Link Button to access the Maps and Resources Page
Active Link Button to access the Contact Us Page
Active Link Button to access the Links Page
Image of Potential National Heritage Area Themes



The stories of the people, places and events related to the Crossroads of the American Revolution are numerous and diverse. Themes are the organizing framework under which interpretation of related natural and cultural resources is conducted. Themes represent the broad stories that integrate the collection of individual resources so that they may be viewed in the context of the whole.

Suggestions for themes were gathered at public meetings conducted during the study and through correspondence. Suggestions included organizing themes temporally, reflecting periods leading up to, including and following the war, or following the military campaigns. Many stressed the need to tell the stories of New Jersey’s citizens and the impact of the war on their daily lives. Themes highlighting the leaders of the time were suggested, as well as the stories of the common soldier and the hardships endured. Others noted the determining factors of the landscape in strategies followed by both sides in the conflict. Political and ideological loyalties were also advanced as important themes.

Three broad theme categories emerged from the many suggestions. They include:

  • A REVOLUTIONARY LANDSCAPE – The manner in which the physical and economic geography of New Jersey influenced how the war was carried out is the subject of this theme. Understanding the state’s 18th century landscape is a vital part of understanding the war. Sub- themes include location, strategy, and supply and logistics.

  • RENDEZVOUS FOR REBELLION – The campaigns and military engagements that occurred in New Jersey greatly influenced the outcome of the Revolutionary War. This theme explores those events, the leaders on both sides and the war’s impact on soldiers and civilians. Sub-themes include campaigns and engagements, encampments and daily life of soldiers, leadership, and civilians and the war.

  • DIVIDED LOYALTIES – The war in New Jersey generated allegiances to the Crown for some and loyalty to independence for others, resulting in a daily civil war between Tories and rebels. This theme explores how the division in loyalty split families, communities and institutions. It generated hostilities that would outlast the period of the American Revolution. Sub-themes include political loyalties and cultural and religious diversity.
Taken together, these potential themes for a Crossroads of the American Revolution National Heritage Area enable the entire story of New Jersey’s critical role in the American Revolution to be fully understood and appreciated. They are supported by a multitude of related natural and cultural resources that remain in the state today.