General George Washington

General George Washington Visits the Pluckemin Area
During the American Revolution.

One of the most noted events in Pluckemin was The Grand Alliance Ball of 1779 in Pluckemin (now part of Bedminster Township, New Jersey). General Washington and 400 others attended the celebration held on the grounds of the Boylan House in 1779.. The ball celebrated the first anniversary of the alliance with France, which ended in victory for the allies at Yorktown. The ball was attended by more than 400 dignitaries.

George and Martha Washington attended the ball that took place on grounds of what was John Boylan's house, near the northwest side of the Cornelius Eoff farm (noted - Somerset County Historical Quarterly October 1917).

"An Anniversary Celebration at Pluckemin"

(Somerset County Historical Quarterly, 1913)

"Seventy-five of the most patriotic citizens of Pluckemin and vicinity met in the Presbyterian parsonage on Friday evening, February 21, to commemorate one of the most notable social events in the early history of the place. This event was the grand fete and ball given February 18, 1779, in honor of the first anniversary of the French Alliance, which was attended by General and Lady Washington, and a distinguished company. The parsonage was selected as the most appropriate place for the celebration, as it faces the old camp ground, which was beautifully located on a high piece of ground in the northern part of the village. The decorations on this occasion would have done honor to the first celebration."

A fuller description of the Grand Alliance Ball in Pluckemin from General Knox's letters can be found by Clicking Here. It is part of the writings of George Washington that are at the Library of Congress and part of the American Memory database. This letter is one of 20 letters from Washington that mention Pluckemin or Pluckamin.