By Linda Tancs

Revolutionary War history abounds in New Jersey, even in a small town like Mount Holly in Burlington County.  It was there that a diversionary tactic was executed that resulted in a reduction of enemy forces in Trenton, enabling George Washington to capture the state’s capital city.  Known as the Battle of Iron Works Hill, it’s just one of several sites in town with ties to the war.  Another notable is The Old School House, used by the British army as a temporary stable for their horses during their retreat from Philadelphia in 1778.  The Friends Meeting House, used by the British as a commissary in 1778, is where the New Jersey State Legislature met in 1779.  A private residence, the Stephen Girard House is where the Girard family resided and operated a business during the war.  Girard later became a prominent financier and philanthropist, funding the government’s battle during the War of 1812.  In 2006, he was ranked the fourth wealthiest person in United States history.