Middlesex County (New Jersey) will receive $1 million to acquire and preserve the Metuchen Meeting House Battlefield in the northern part of the township. It will enable the county and township to collaborate and build the new Battle of Short Hills Park.
The funds originate from the U.S. National Park Service Battlefield Land Acquisition Grant Program. It allows state and local authorities to acquire and protect historical battlefields on American soil and receive assistance through the Federal Land and Water Conservation Fund (LWCF), as announced by Rep. Frank Pallone Jr., D-N.J.
The LWCF reinvests revenue earned from natural gas and offshore oil leasing to improve recreation and conservation opportunities across the nation. Pallone also co-sponsored the legislation known as the Great American Outdoors Act, which fully and permanently funds the LWCF in August of 2020.
“New Jersey has a rich history in the foundation of our nation. I’m pleased to see that the National Park Service has awarded Middlesex County with funding to help preserve this history for future generations,” Pallone said in a statement.
“This funding will go a long way toward helping Middlesex County and Edison protect green spaces and honor our state’s important history.”
In 2020, Middlesex County received more than $1.6 million in grants through the National Park Service American Battlefield Protection Program to assist in the purchase of the 13.12-acre Metuchen Meeting House Battlefield, an American Revolutionary War landmark.
Middlesex County closed on the property, purchased by the Ferrante family, who was the owner since 1975. The closing was in March 2020 and paid the appraised amount of $3.1 million.
Middlesex County Board of Commissioners Director Ronald Rios said the new funds will be used to achieve the goals of protecting green spaces and preserving the history of the county.
“Our deep roots in the Revolutionary War are part of our rich identity and attract new visitors each year. We want to ensure precious sites like the Metuchen Meeting House Battlefield can be enjoyed for many generations,” Rios said in a statement.
The funds will purchase 7.49 acres of land and connect it to the nearby Edith Stevens Wildlife Preserve, managed and owned by Edison. It will also be used to expand a local park and prepare for the commemoration of the 250th anniversary of the Revolutionary War.
This article originally appeared on My Central Jersey.
Isn’t it worrying that the Metuchen Meeting House Battlefield faces challenges despite preservation efforts? The uncertainties around securing resources and maintaining the Battle of Short Hills Park raise concerns. What do you think about the potential impact of urban development on this historical site in Edison, New Jersey? It’s vital to protect our historical landmarks amidst modernization. Let’s ensure we cherish our history!