The Battle of Short Hills

The Battle of Short Hills, fought on June 26, 1777, was a significant engagement in central New Jersey. In this battle, Lord Stirling commanded a Continental force of 2,200 men and skirmished with a much larger British column led by General William Howe and Lord Cornwallis. Although Stirling was ultimately forced to retreat, his resistance provided George Washington with crucial time to withdraw safely into the Watchung Mountains. This maneuver denied Howe the open-field engagement he sought. Although the British won a tactical victory, the Americans achieved strategic success by preserving their army and thwarting Howe's attempt to trap Washington.

The Battle of Short Hills Monument consists of a stone tower topped by a Revolutionary War cannon. Each side of the monument features a panel telling the story of the battle. The panels also include a map of the battle area, a picture of Lord Stirling on horseback, and wounded soldiers being evacuated in wagons after the battle.