Role In Revolutionary War Earns Summit Historical Honors

SUMMIT, NJ — A piece of Summit’s Revolutionary War history is now officially being recognized in the heart of the city.

City officials and local historians recently marked the installation of a new historic plaque on the Village Green, highlighting Summit’s connection to the Washington-Rochambeau Revolutionary Route.

The route stretches roughly 680 miles from Rhode Island to Virginia and traces the path taken by American and French forces as they moved toward Yorktown, the final major battle of the Revolutionary War.

That campaign ultimately led to the end of the war and helped secure American independence.

The designation also recognizes Summit as a “Victory Town,” reflecting its place along the historic route.

The plaque installation was commemorated at a recent gathering on the Village Green, with Mayor Fagan, Council President Toth, and Councilmembers Kalmanson and Lasaracina in attendance.

According to information shared by the city, Summit’s historical significance also ties into local Revolutionary War-era activity beyond troop movements. One account from the Summit Historical Society notes that French forces are believed to have built bread ovens near what is now the Municipal Golf Course, a tactic intended to mislead British troops during the campaign leading up to Yorktown.

The plaque was sponsored by the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks Summit Lodge #1246.

More information on Summit’s connection to the Washington-Rochambeau route and Revolutionary War history is available through the Summit Historical Society.