Cedar Bridge Tavern
The Cedar Bridge Tavern County Historic Site is a historic tavern located in the New Jersey Pine Barrens in Barnegat Township. It is the second tavern on the site and was built circa 1816 and is believed to have one of the oldest standing bars in New Jersey. It is located at the site of the last purported skirmish of the American Revolutionary War called the Affair at Cedar Bridge Creek on December 27, 1782. It is on the National Register of Historic Places. Besides the tavern there are 3.5 miles of trails and events throughout the year available through the Ocean County Parks & Recreation Department.
History
The Affair at Cedar Bridge
While the Siege of Yorktown and surrender by Cornwallis is considered the last major conflict on American soil during the American Revolution, dozens of small engagements and skirmishes took place up to the signing of the Treaty of Paris. The last conflict took place on the Jersey Shore in 1782.On December 27, 1782, forces for the new republic led by Captains Richard Shreve and Edward Thomas were informed that notorious Loyalist John Bacon was in the vicinity of the tavern. They engaged Bacon and his Loyalist bandits at Cedar Bridge. A brief exchange of gunfire took place, and Bacon and his men were able to escape. One Patriot was killed, and four were wounded. Four Loyalists were wounded, including Bacon.