Cheers and Cannon Fire: New Brunswick's Early Independence Day

NEW BRUNSWICK, NJ (July 4, 2025) - Today, as we celebrate Independence Day, it's fitting to look back at one of the earliest recorded celebrations that took place in New Brunswick.

On July 4, 1778, the Continental Army, under General George Washington's command, marked the second anniversary of the Declaration of Independence with a grand display of military honors and celebration at "Head-Quarters Brunswick Landing," according to the National Archives.

These events, detailed in Washington's General Orders of July 3 and 4, 1778, were designed to boost troop morale and publicly affirm the young nation's commitment to its newfound freedom.

Preparations for the observance began on Friday, July 3, with Washington's General Orders stipulating a public celebration on July 4 involving cannon fire and a "feu de joie" (running fire) of the entire line. Soldiers were instructed to adorn their hats with green boughs and present their best appearance. A double allowance of rum was also authorized for the troops.

Washington issued the General Orders from his headquarters at Ross Hall in Piscataway, at River Road and Ross Hall Boulevard.

The morning of July 4 saw soldiers preparing their green boughs. By afternoon, the army began to assemble according to a precise schedule. At 3 p.m., a single cannon blast served as a signal for all troops to be placed under arms and formed for march. At 4 p.m., a second signal initiated the march of the Right Wing, crossing the bridge to take up positions on the Brunswick side of the Raritan River.

The Left Wing followed at 4:30 p.m., after a third signal cannon. By 5 p.m., a fourth signal marked the formation of the Second Line, completing the army's formation on the designated ground.

Following the full assembly, a signal from the Commander-in-Chief initiated the main salute: "thirteen pieces of cannon were discharged in unison, symbolizing the thirteen United States." This was followed by a single cannon shot, which signaled the commencement of a "running fire" - a sequential discharge of musketry and cannon from the right to the left of the army, creating a continuous wave of sound.

The demonstration concluded with a final signal, prompting three unified cheers from the assembled troops, proclaiming: "Perpetual and undisturbed Independence to the United States of America."