Caught in the Crossfire
CHOOSING A SIDE IN AMERICA’S FIGHT FOR INDEPENDENCE War at Our Doorstep
An Unavoidable Choice Eventually, most residents who tried to stay neutral found themselves forced to choose a side. For some, that choice came after witnessing or suffering due to the brutality of British and Hession forces during occupation. These troops occupied Middlesex County from December 1776 through June 22, 1777, and their treatment of colonists did more than punish Patriots and their families; it convinced many residents to support the fight for freedom. Some who had remained loyal to the Crown stopped supporting British forces, even in secret. In Middlesex County during the American Revolution, the war eventually came to every doorstep, forcing residents to make decisions that had lasting consequences. The decision of which side to support was one that caused deep divisions not only amongst neighbors, but within families as well. One of the most famous examples is that of William Franklin, son of founding father Benjamin Franklin. In 1763, William Franklin was appointed Royal Governor of the Province of New Jersey. As tensions between Britain and the colonies grew, William Franklin chose to remain loyal to the Crown, while his father Benjamin Franklin sided with the Patriotic cause. This decision caused a rift between father and son. William Franklin was eventually placed under house arrest at the Proprietary House, his residence in Perth Amboy, and left for England in 1782, never to return again. The estrangement lasted the rest of Benjamin Franklin’s life, with the two never fully reconciling after the war ended.
In 1776, the American colonies were in the midst of a revolution, fighting to become a nation free from England. But not everyone was aligned with this cause. With war happening on their doorstep, Middlesex County residents faced a choice: either remain loyal to the British crown or support the fight for American independence.
“Middlesex County is rich in history and it’s our honor and responsibility to learn about and preserve that history for future generations. As we celebrate America’s 250th anniversary, I’m especially proud of our County’s role in the fight for independence. I encourage every resident to join in the celebration!” County Commissioner Chanelle Scott McCullum Chair, Economic Development Committee
Taking Sides At the time of the American Revolution, Middlesex County consisted of a patchwork of farming communities, forests, and colonial ports like Perth Amboy and Raritan Landing. The Raritan River, Raritan Bay, and other vital waterways made the County a coveted location by both British and American forces. For many County residents, the choice was clear: Either they completely supported the Patriot cause or remained wholeheartedly loyal to England. But for others it was not so simple. Some residents tried to stay neutral due to their religious beliefs, others for economic reasons or ties to family on both sides. Still others were torn between personal feelings of connection and loyalty to the British Crown and their dissatisfaction with many of England’s policies
in the colonies. Some even switched sides during the war, going back and forth depending on what served them best in the moment. County residents who preferred to remain neutral had a tough time, particularly as the fighting intensified. Both Patriot militias and British forces demanded loyalty and support from the colonists. That loyalty and support encompassed everything from physical supplies and men to serve as soldiers, to information and secrecy about the other side’s plans and movements within and around Middlesex County.
JOIN THE CELEBRATION!
Middlesex County is commemorating the 250th anniversary of America throughout 2026 and beyond. Learn about special events, exhibits, and activities at MiddlesexCountyNJ.gov/250.
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6 Your Middlesex | 2026 Issue 1
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