A Revolutionary War skirmish occurred near Swedesboro on April 4, 1778. About 300 Loyalist and British troops marched from Fort Billings near present-day Paulsboro to Swedesboro, hoping to capture local militiamen. Finding the Patriots gone, the English pillaged homes and burned the log schoolhouse that had recently been used as a jail for Tories. Patriot militia soon returned, took a position on a wooded hill overlooking the town, and began shooting. The British returned fire, and bullets flew in all directions, endangering soldiers and citizens alike before both sides retired.