The Cherry Hill area was at times occupied by both forces in the Revolutionary War in 1777. Continental soldiers joined with local farmers in destroying strategic bridges across the Newton and Timer Creeks to delay the Hessians marching toward Redbank, where the Continental army had set up a fort that was the keystone of defense for the entire Delaware Valley area. The Marquis de Lafayette camped on this site on his way to the battle of Gloucester in March 1777. In 1774, General “Mad Anthony” Wayne and Count Pulaski routed British forces between here and Haddonfield. Amid many such incidents involving farmers and soldiers, famous figures and anonymous patriots alike, Cherry Hill was part of notable local contributions to national destiny.