Uncovering History: The Red Bank Battlefield Discovery, Led by Rowan University History Professor
* Header photo shows a student simulation that does not include actual human remains
In a groundbreaking revelation discovered in 2022, researchers at the Red Bank Battlefield in National Park, NJ (Gloucester County), unearthed human remains from the October 1777 battle between American and Hessian forces. Red Bank Battlefield is located approximately 25 minutes from Rowan University’s Glassboro campus, and this discovery, detailed by Rowan University history professor Jennifer Janofsky, Ph.D. and principal archaeologist Wade Catts, offers new insights into the aftermath of this pivotal Revolutionary War clash.
Dr. Janosfsky serves as Director of Red Bank Battlefield Park, as well as Giordano Fellow in Public History at Rowan University. At Red Bank Battlefield Park her role is all encompassing, managing all aspects of park interpretation, including public programs, tours, preservation, exhibition, and grants management. In the classroom, Dr. Janofsky connects with students, sharing her real-life experience as a working historian, showing future historians pathways to build their own careers. She teaches classes in Public History, American Material Culture, Early American History and directs the History Department internship program. She has worked in the field of public history for over twenty years prioritizing community engagement and the production of accessible history.
The site, which includes remnants from a 1777 Fort Mercer trench, was initially a scene of intense combat where African American troops fought alongside their white counterparts. The excavation, enriched by the involvement of over 100 volunteers, led to a startling find: battlefield burials previously undocumented in historical records.
The discovery of these remains, presumed to be Hessian soldiers, is rare and significant. It adds a visceral layer to our understanding of Revolutionary War battles, highlighting the personal and tragic realities of war. Janofsky emphasizes the importance of connecting these artifacts to individual stories, providing a more nuanced and impactful historical narrative.
The New Jersey Historical Commission recognized the Red Bank Battlefield Archaeology Project for its significant contribution to New Jersey history in 2023. In 2024, Rowan University awarded Janofsky the 2024 Rowan University Engagement Award.
This project not only enriches public history but also serves as a poignant reminder of the sacrifices made at Red Bank, transforming how visitors engage with the past.
Written by: Hanisha Hanumanula, master’s in Computer Science