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NJ lawmakers consider special license plate for Revolutionary War’s 250th anniversary
Kimberly Redmond//December 9, 2024//
A reenactment of the November 1776 retreat across New Bridge Landing by Washington and his army. From there, the Patriots made their way south, crossed over the Delaware River and set up camp in Bucks County in Pennsylvania. before regrouping. The move enabled a surprise attack on Trenton, which proved to be a turning point in the American Revolutionary War. - PROVIDED BY BERGEN COUNTY HISTORICAL SOCIETY
A reenactment of the November 1776 retreat across New Bridge Landing by Washington and his army. From there, the Patriots made their way south, crossed over the Delaware River and set up camp in Bucks County in Pennsylvania. before regrouping. The move enabled a surprise attack on Trenton, which proved to be a turning point in the American Revolutionary War. - PROVIDED BY BERGEN COUNTY HISTORICAL SOCIETY
NJ lawmakers consider special license plate for Revolutionary War’s 250th anniversary
Kimberly Redmond//December 9, 2024//
Ahead of the 250th anniversary of the American Revolution, New Jersey could commission a special license plate to mark the occasion.
Under a bill state Sens. James Holzapfel, R-10th District, and Patrick Diegnan Jr., D-18th District, introduced into the state Senate, the New Jersey Motor Vehicle Commission, in consultation with the New Jersey Historical Society, would pick a design for a commemorative plate.
After that, Senate Bill 3909 would authorize NJMVC to create and issue the plate using the selected design.
Following its Dec. 5 introduction, the bill was referred to the Senate Transportation Committee and approved the same day.
It is now under review by the Senate Budge and Appropriations Committee.
In a statement Holzafpel said, “New Jersey played a pivotal role in the American Revolution, serving as a key battleground for many important conflicts. This license plate commemorates the state’s significant contributions to our nation’s fight for independent and highlights the sacrifices made by New Jerseyans.”
Diegnan added, “Not only will these license plates commemorate the 250th anniversary of the start of the Revolutionary War, but proceeds from an accompanying fund will support the preservation of New Jersey’s Revolutionary War sites, including places where historic tide-turning battles occurred.”
More planning
Companion legislation has not yet been introduced into the state Assembly.
Across New Jersey, historic sites, nonprofits and tourism officials are intent on gaining recognition of the state’s role in America’s founding. During the American Revolution, New Jersey was home to more than 600 skirmishes – including three landmark battles that historians consider having changed the course of the war: Trenton, Princeton and Monmouth.
Though the historic milestone is a little under two years away, planning efforts have been underway for quite some time to ensure the Garden State can handle the expected influx of interest leading up to July 4, 2026, and beyond.
Capital improvements are underway at dozens of sites, like battlefields, museums and houses. The upgrades aim to make New Jersey a must-see historical destination during the 250th anniversary and into the future.
As part of the many preparations for the United States Semiquincentennial, RevolutionNJ, a partnership between the New Jersey Historical Commission and nonprofit Crossroads of the American Revolution, is working with state and local government, academia, the business community, historic and destination marketing organizations, and diverse communities to drive research, build content, develop programming and events, and enhance historical assets.
According to New Jersey officials, events related to the 250th birthday will begin this year and continue through 2033. That milestone year marks the 250th anniversary of the Treaty of Paris. Besides ending the Revolutionary War, the pact also recognized U.S. independence.
