Bound Brook, New Jersey
In 1777, a large band of English troops attacked a small group of Americans in the Battle of Bound Brook. George Washington moved his troops to Middlebrook Heights in the summer of 1777 and the winters of 1778-79. The Continental Congress approved the Betsy Ross flag as the official national banner in June 1777 and the flag was first flown at this location. The Betsy Ross flag now flies 24 hours a day at the Middlebrook Campgrounds and the Declaration of Independence is read every July 4 on these grounds to commemorate this historic site.
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Bound Brook is the oldest community in Somerset County. It is approximately 1.6 square miles. The land was purchased from the Lenape Indians in 1681. The first settlers were Scottish Covenanters seeking freedom of religion. They were followed by Dutch and other northern Europeans. The 20th century brought the Italians and Poles to work in the area woolen mills.
