News Release

"THE ALL-AMERICAN ROAD TRIP” A NATIONAL CALL TO EXPLORE AMERICA’S ORIGINAL JOURNEY TO INDEPENDENCE-NEW JERSEY

Four living historians dressed in 18th-century military uniforms—portraying French and American officers from the Revolutionary War era—stand together outdoors during a public event, smiling and posing for visitors.

News Release Date: November 20, 2025

Contact: Johnny Carawan, [phone]

Trenton, NJ, November 20, 2025 – The National Park Service’s Washington-Rochambeau Revolutionary Route National Historic Trail (WARO) proudly announces the launch of the All-American Road Trip, a signature America 250 initiative inviting the public to retrace the epic Allied march of American and French forces to Yorktown, America’s first and most consequential road trip.

This announcement coincides with renewed national attention on the Revolutionary era following the premiere this week of Ken Burns’ landmark PBS series The American Revolution. The six-part documentary has sparked fresh interest in the people, places, and events that shaped the nation, making this the ideal moment to experience the Washington-Rochambeau Trail firsthand.

Spanning more than 680 miles through nine states and the District of Columbia, the Washington-Rochambeau Trail commemorates the land and water routes used during the 1781 campaign that secured American independence. Today, the All-American Road Trip transforms that historic movement into a modern, immersive experience that connects communities, inspires exploration, and elevates the story of the Franco-American alliance.

“The 1781 march was far more than a military maneuver; it was a transformational cultural movement that helped define who we are as a nation,” said Johnny Carawan, Trail Administrator for the Washington-Rochambeau NHT. “With the All-American Road Trip, we want to make it easier for families and travelers to plan their journeys, explore these historic routes, and experience firsthand how the people, landscapes, and alliances of the Revolutionary era continue to shape America today.”

Connecting the Trail to the American Story
This initiative supports a major National Park Service effort to highlight all parks and programs connected to the American Revolution. Visitors can explore the full network of national parks, battlefields, historic homes, scenic trails, and educational resources at: https://www.nps.gov/subjects/americanrevolution/index.htm
The Washington-Rochambeau Trail serves as a unifying thread that links these sites, communities, and stories.

Bringing America’s First Road Trip to Life
The All-American Road Trip will feature:
• Living history and community events celebrating the 250th anniversary
• Educational programming that highlights France’s decisive role in the Revolution
• Youth engagement opportunities, including Junior Ranger activities and hands-on learning
• Digital storytelling using #RoadTrip250
• Partnership events with museums, state and local partners, and the Embassy of France

The campaign emphasizes that the march to Yorktown was not just a military route, but a vibrant network of real communities whose stories continue to shape America’s identity.

A Year of Revolutionary Events in New Jersey
The following is a sampling of programs offering meaningful ways to explore New Jersey’s Revolutionary heritage and its national significance along the trail.

East Jersey Old Town Village - Piscataway, NJ
As part of this national initiative, Middlesex County, NJ, East Jersey Old Town Village has announced its 2026 event lineup, offering a robust year of historical programming leading into America’s 250th anniversary. Signature events include Opening Weekend on April 11–12, the Union Muster on May 2–3, History Day on May 16, and the Independence Day on the Raritan celebration on July 4, 2026. These programs will immerse visitors in New Jersey’s Revolutionary-era heritage through living history, demonstrations, and family-friendly activities. The 2026 season positions East Jersey Old Town Village as a key destination for America 250 commemorations across the region. For more information https://www.middlesexcountynj.gov/government/departments/department-of-economic-development/the-arts-institute-of-middlesex-county/division-of-history-and-historic-preservation/east-jersey-old-town-village.

Old Barracks Museum – Trenton, NJ
The Old Barracks Museum in Trenton will offer a full year of America 250 programming in 2026, ranging from family-focused gatherings to major commemorative events. Highlights include May Tea on May 3, Founders’ Day with a Kids’ Art Contest on June 13, and the First Annual Old Barracks Gala on June 26.

Summer programming features a July 4th celebration, a public reading of the Declaration of Independence on July 8, and a hands-on Summer Camp for ages 9–12 from July 13–17. Community favorites return later in the year with Tavern Night (Sept. 18), the Children’s Fall Event (Oct. 17), and All Barracks Eve (Oct. 23). The season concludes on December 26 with the annual Battles of Trenton reenactments and the Colonial Ball at the Historic Trenton Masonic Temple. Full details and updates will be available at Barracks.org.

William Trent House – Trenton, NJ
The 1719 William Trent House Museum will commemorate America’s 250th anniversary with a series of lectures, reenactments, and cultural programs running from December 2025 through December 2026. Highlights include talks on Trenton’s role in the Revolution, women with the armies, activism in America, and artists like Prince Demah and Ellen Craft; the July 8 commemoration of Trenton’s 1776 Declaration reading; the August 29 reenactment of the 1781 American and French encampment; and a December 27 musical performance marking the close of the year. More information and event updates are available at https://www.williamtrenthouse.org/.

Westfield, NJ
Westfield, New Jersey will commemorate America’s 250th anniversary with a series of community events throughout 2026, celebrating the town’s Revolutionary heritage and its connection to the Washington–Rochambeau National Historic Trail. Highlights include the America250 First Day Walk on January 1, the family-friendly Build Westfield in LEGO event, patriotic celebrations around Memorial Day and Independence Day, summer dedication ceremonies, and popular annual programs such as National Night Out, AddamsFest, and the Veterans Day Commemoration. For event details and updates, visit westfieldnj.gov.

Start Your Road Trip
Travelers can begin exploring the trail, planning itineraries, and discovering upcoming events at: www.nps.gov/waro. For overall statewide commemorative activities visitnj.org/nj250

Begin your journey in New Jersey, exploring its pivotal Revolutionary-era landscapes before continuing on through Connecticut and Rhode Island, where the French Army began its march, or following the full route south to Yorktown. Wherever travelers choose to start, the All- American Road Trip offers immersive and meaningful ways to connect with America’s founding story.