James and Ann Whitall House

Address
100 Hessian Avenue
National Park, NJ 08063
(856)853-5120
Red Bank Battlefield Park is open year round
sunrise to sunset, except Christmas Day and New Year's Day.

The James and Ann Whitall House is open seasonally, from
April through mid-October, most Thursdays through Sunday, from 1pm to 4pm.

In 1748, Quakers Ann and James Whitall established a 400-acre plantation at Red Bank along the Delaware River.  This bustling plantation included fruit orchards, a lumberyard, a shad fishery, livestock and a ferry.  Together, Ann and James raised nine children who worked the plantation alongside dozens of indentured servants hailing from Ireland, the Netherlands, and Germany.  

In 1777, the American Revolution interrupted life at Red Bank when American forces constructed

Re-enactment of The Battle

Fort Mercer immediately north of the house.  On October 22, 1777, Colonel Christopher Green's Rhode Island
 Regiment inflicted heavy losses on Hessian soldiers and the Whitall's home served as a field hospital.  Hundreds of Hessian soldiers lost their lives in the battle and were buried just north of the house.  The Whitall's never forgave the American forces for the devastation they inflicted on their beloved property.

One Sunday a month, the House and Fort offerspecial programs focusing on an aspect of the park's history.  Ever wonder how people made clothes in the 1700"s?  What was it like to be a Revolutionary soldier?  How did women prepare meals?  Why is Fort Mercer so important to Revolutionary history?  Heritage Days are always family friendly and filled with great activities for everyone to enjoy.

The Gloucester County Certified Gardeners maintain our historic gardens. The gardeners are volunteers who actively work to cultivate vegetables, culinary and medicinal herbs, dyeing flowers and cutting flowers that are historically representative of the eighteenth century.  Learn what herbs Ann Whitall would have used to treat a cough or heal a wound.  Observe how flower pigments added color to clothing.  Hear about true farm to table family.

We routinely offer special tours to elementary and secondary schools, home schoolers, summer camps, scouts, and senior community centers and homes.  Have a particular interest in early American history?  Let us know and we can tailor a tour just for you.  Our knowledgeable docents are experts in Revolutionary history and early American life.  After your tour, Red Bank Park offers scenic picnic pavilions for groups to relax and enjoy magnificent views of the Delaware River.

We would not be here if it were not for our dedicated volunteers who help make this National Historic Landmark come alive.  Volunteers help in all aspects of the House and Battlefield.  Volunteer docents offer tours to the public and visiting schools, plant and maintain our historically-inspired gardens, and offer hearth cooking demonstrations throughout the year.  If you have some time and would like to help the Whitall House and Red Bank Battlefield, please drop us a line.  We'd love to have you!

Facilities
Jogging/Walking trails
Multi Purpose Trail
Picnic Areas
Play Structures
Restrooms
Grills


SPRING 
NATURE TOTS
It's FREE but registration is necessary.
Wednesdays
10:30am-11:30am
3/7- Windy
3/14- Green Walk
3/21- Could it be Spring?
3/28- April Fool You
4/4- April Showers
4/11- Bunnies and Eggs
4/18- Earth Day
4/25- Spring has Sprung
For more information about the programs contact Park Naturalist Jill Taylor of the Scotland Run Nature Center at 856-881-0845. For registration information call the Gloucester County Parks and Recreation Department at 856-251-6710.
Nature Tot Spring 2017 registration

18th Century Field Day
Sunday, October 22, 2017: 10am to 4pm
Free admission
Enjoy battle reenactments, colonial demonstrators, vendors, food, and fun! Learn about the Battle of Red Bank and why New Jersey is called “The Crossroads of the American Revolution.” Tour the Whitall House and visit with our hearth cookers preparing delicious fall-inspired food. Take in a spectacular sword fight and enjoy a colonial magic show. Cheer on the Jonas Cattell Run participants at the finish line. Fun, food, and activities for everyone!
CALL (856)853-5120 FOR MORE INFORMATION ABOUT EIGHTEENTH CENTURY FIELD DAY

From Philadelphia & Points North
Take the North-South Freeway (Route 42) to I-295 South
Exit 23 "National Park" make right onto Hessian Avenue (County Route 64)
Approximately 2 miles Hessian Avenue ends at the park entrance.

From Points South
Take I-295 North to Exit 21 "Woodbury"
Make left onto Delaware Street (County Route 640)
Delaware Street ends at Grove Road (stop sign), County Route 643. Make right
First traffic light at Hessian Avenue (County Route 642) make left Hessian Avenue ends at park entrance.

From Points East
Take 322 West into Glassboro
Make right onto Route 47 (Delsea Drive)
At 5 points intersection, take jug handle and continue on Route 47
Take Route 47 into Deptford, at the intersection of Cooper Street (County Route 640) make a left
Follow Cooper Street through Woodbury past the County Court House Cooper Street becomes Delaware Street, but remain on County Route 640.
Follow Delaware Street till it dead-ends at Grove Road (County Route 643), at stop sign make a right
At the first traffic light, make a left onto Hessian Avenue (County Route 642). Hessian Avenue ends at Park entrance.