In 1779, a system of 23 alarm posts was established throughout the State to alert local militia to assemble at predetermined locations. In Old Bridge, a hill west of Higgins Road served as one of these signal posts. Although the exact nature of the signal system is unknown, this elevated site is believed to have been used to send signals to the Patriots about enemy troops moving from Raritan Bay toward Cranberry, now known as Cranbury. Generations of local families have referred to the site as Signal Hill. From the hill, one can see Raritan Bay and Staten Island in an unobstructed view. The system of signal posts was said to be so efficient that when the British Fleet headed out of Raritan Bay on its way to Philadelphia, the alarm reached Philadelphia before the fleet arrived.