Nearly 200 "Victory Towns" of the American Revolution are invited to commemorate the march to victory at Yorktown.
Patch Staff
|Updated Fri, May 16, 2025 at 11:19 am ET
SOUTH BRUNSWICK, NJ — South Brunswick is among nearly 200 "Victory Towns" being honored for witnessing the historic march of American and French troops to the decisive Siege of Yorktown in 1781, which led to American independence from Britain.
The Washington-Rochambeau Revolutionary Route, a 700-mile trail that's part of the National Park Service, runs directly through South Brunswick, earning the township its designation as a "Victory Town." This historic recognition comes as two national non-profit organizations launch a special partnership program with communities along this revolutionary path.
The National Washington-Rochambeau Revolutionary Route Association (W3R-US) has created the "Victory Towns" program specifically for local governments situated along the trail. Working alongside them, the William G. Pomeroy Foundation is offering fully funded grants for historical markers that will highlight the township's unique connection to this pivotal moment in American history.
According to local historians, the American Continental Army under Washington followed the King's Highway, now known as the Lincoln Highway/Route 27, following the South Brunswick line through Kingston. The French Army came through the Millstone River Valley and arrived in Princeton via Witherspoon Street, then the two armies followed the same route through Lawrence on what is now Route 206.
South Brunswick officials have received an invitation to participate in this prestigious program. Beyond the historical markers, participating communities gain access to scholarly research, educational materials for schools, flags and banners, reenactors, speakers, and trail-related merchandise.
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"This historic trail is the most urban asset of the National Park Service, passing through both small towns and large cities such as Hartford, Philadelphia, Wilmington, and Baltimore," said Lawrence Abell, the National Chairman of W3R-US. "The Victory Towns program provides an opportunity to introduce the story of America's founding to the 12 million people who live in these towns and to encourage tourism."
The initiative comes at a perfect time as communities prepare for the nation's 250th anniversary in 2026. South Brunswick now has a special opportunity to highlight its role in the journey to American independence.
The township's connection to this program has already generated local interest, with Mayor Charlie Carley recently attending a related fundraiser in Central Jersey.
Residents can learn more about South Brunswick's place on the Washington-Rochambeau National Historic Trail by visiting W3R-US's website at w3r-us.org/ and clicking on "Trail Map." Additional information about the Victory Towns program is available at w3r-us.org/victory-towns.
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