Revolutionary Battles & Sites

Author David M. Griffin uncovers the lost history and harrowing stories of Long Island's British forts.

When the Revolutionary War broke out and New York City had fallen in 1776, the forces of the king of Great Britain developed a network of forts along the length of Long Island to defend the New York area and create a front to Patriot forces across the Sound in Connecticut. Fort Franklin on Lloyd's Neck became a refugee camp for Loyalists and saw frequent rebel attacks. In Huntington, a sacred burial ground was desecrated, and Fort Golgotha was erected in its place, using tombstones as baking hearths. In Setauket along the northern shore, the Presbyterian church was commandeered and made the central fortified structure of the town.

Join author Joan Williams as she takes you on a journey into Morristown, New Jersey's past and brings it back to life as it was.

For many Americans, Morristown evokes pictures of ragged troops huddled in log huts, shivering in the bitter cold of winter—but there is more to the history of the town than its important role in the Revolutionary War. By the early 19th century, Morristown was a thriving community, whose growth was accelerated by such projects as the Morris Canal and the railroad. It was finally incorporated in 1865 and the city attracted wealthy New Yorkers who built magnificent mansions, many of which can still be seen today. In 1878, the Library and Lyceum opened, bringing art and culture to the booming town. Immigrants were also attracted to Morristown and the Association of Work Among the Italians was founded in 1898 (later renamed Neighborhood House as the ethnic population diversified further), which instructed the new immigrants in English and provided services for their children.

The 20th century saw many changes. The first trolley rumbled around the Green in 1909, and motor cars soon appeared on the streets. Young men and women went off to two world wars to serve (and many to die for) their country. With the 1960s came urban renewal. As many old buildings were destroyed, corporations took the place of many of the large mansions and new highways were developed. Yet, still, in the quiet back streets, and among some of the old buildings, a hint of the past can still be seen.  This piece will delight young and old, visitor and resident alike.

Lexington documents the history and evolutoin of this city nestled in the heart of Kentucky's Bluegrass region.

Situated in the heart of Kentucky's Bluegrass region, Lexington is known as a cultural center throughout the state. The city, with its strong sense of history, education, and commerce, has undergone dramatic change, making way for development and progress with each new decade.

Tracing the town of Lexington's life as it transformed from a provincial farming village to attractive Boston suburb.

It was established by the Puritans in 1713, but Lexington entered the history books as the ""Birthplace of American Liberty"" one April morning in 1775. However, the town's history did not begin or end with that event. Though primarily agrarian, early-19th century Lexington contained 12 taverns, a large fur industry, and other manufacturing businesses. The 20th century brought a streetcar system with Lexington Park, replete with a zoo and a theater, at its terminus. With the construction of Route 128, Lexington's population rapidly increased and the farm era faded, changing the shape of the community.

Through fascinating vintage images within these pages, you will visit Massachusetts House and Russell House, where wealthy Bostonians enjoyed summering in the town's ""good air"" after the Civil War; beautiful estates, including the Hayes Castle, that dotted the town's hills once the railroad to Boston became a reality for commuters; and the Lexington station, the last remaining depot train shed in Massachusetts, which stood at the foot of Meriam Hill.

During the American Revolution, New Jersey took center stage as a vital battleground with over 600 engagements and skirmishes.

Strategically located between New York City and Philadelphia, it endured constant conflict and divided loyalties, hosting crucial Continental army encampments, like Morristown, and witnessing pivotal victories such as Washington’s crossing of the Delaware and the surprise attacks at Trenton and Princeton. With over 150 historic sites within the state connected to the American cause for independence, New Jersey can make the claim it was the “Crossroads of the American Revolution.” The pages within this book illustrate a portion of these historic sites with a mixture of vintage images gathered from state, county, and local historical organizations and images from the photographic collection of photographer Alexander J. Pochek.