Piscatawaytown Burial Ground

St. James Episcopal Church was established in 1704. The original structure was built in 1724. In 1835 the church was destroyed by a tornado. It was rebuilt using as much of the original wood and fixtures as possible. The rear section was built in 1913. There was considerable military activity in the Piscatawaytown area in 1776/1777. Woodbridge Avenue was a main land artery for British communications and movement of supplies and troops. The British Army used St. James Church as a barracks and a hospital from December 1776 to June 1777. Battles were fought at or very near to the church. To the east of this monument is the common grave of British soldiers who died in the Revolutionary War. They were buried in the British breastworks (defensive trench) emplaced along the Post Road (now Woodbridge Ave.). At the request of the opposing American forces, the British also buried a number of American soldiers but their resting place is not known. The Piscatawaytown Burial Ground is one of the earliest in Middlesex County. The oldest readable monument is dated 1693. There are many American soldiers buried from several wars. The highest-ranking veteran buried is Brevet Major General Thomas Swords. He was a veteran of both the Mexican War and Civil War. May all be remembered and their sacrifices not be lost in history.

Dedicated September 11, 2004

Edison Historic Preservation Commission

George A. Spadoro – Mayor

Marker is at the intersection of Woodbridge Avenue and Myrtle Street, on the right when traveling east on Woodbridge Avenue.

Courtesy hmdb.org

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