A section of the Continental Army during the Revolutionary War was stationed on the western slopes of Quaker Hill from September 16 to November 28, 1778. The Great Barbecue took place on the hillside across this road on October 17, 1778, commemorating the first anniversary of the surrender of the British under Gen. Burgoyne to the Americans at Saratoga, New York. General George Washington led the parade from his headquarters at the John Kane house. Officers present included Major Generals Gates, Greene, McDougall, Baron Steuben, Baron DeKalb, and Brigadier Generals Nixon, Parsons, Smallwood, Knox, Hand, Patterson, and Wayne. Sky rockets and cannon were discharged in honor of the celebration.

Photo: Michael Herrick

Photo: Michael Herrick