History is for Everyone

NJ, USA

The Green

Landmark

The Green is the historic central common of Hackensack, a public open space that has served as the town's civic, commercial, and military gathering point since the colonial period. During the Revolution, it functioned as the primary mustering ground for Bergen County militia, where local men assembled under arms before marching to defend the region against British and Loyalist incursions. The Green witnessed the passage of Washington's retreating army in November 1776 and served as a staging area for foraging expeditions, militia drills, and public announcements throughout the war years.

Today the Green remains a public park at the center of Hackensack, surrounded by commercial buildings and accessible to visitors. Markers and monuments on or near the Green commemorate the town's Revolutionary heritage.

What Happened Here

The Green was the military and civic heart of Hackensack during the Revolution. Militia companies mustered here before marching to defend against British raids. Washington's retreating army passed through the Green in November 1776 after the fall of Fort Lee, and the space witnessed the full arc of the war in Bergen County — from the initial organizing of resistance to the final withdrawal of British forces.

Visiting Today

Address

The Green, Main Street, Hackensack, NJ 07601

Hours

Open daily

Admission

Free

Connected Events

Jan 1774
Bergen County Divided: Loyalties Split

Reverend Dirck Romeyn, Judge John Fell, Sam of Hackensack

Jun 1775
Formation of the Bergen County Committee of Safety

Judge John Fell, Sam of Hackensack

Jul 1775
Militia Musters on the Green

Major John Mauritius Goetschius, Reverend Dirck Romeyn, Sam of Hackensack

Nov 1776
Fall of Fort Lee

Sam of Hackensack

Nov 1776
Washington's Retreat Through Hackensack

Reverend Dirck Romeyn, Sam of Hackensack

Nov 1776
British Occupation of Bergen County

Reverend Dirck Romeyn, Sam of Hackensack

Dec 1776
Desecration of the First Dutch Reformed Church

Reverend Dirck Romeyn, Sam of Hackensack

Dec 1776
Loyalist Raids and Partisan Warfare in Bergen County

Major John Mauritius Goetschius, Sam of Hackensack

Apr 1777
Capture of Judge John Fell by Loyalist Raiders

Judge John Fell, Sam of Hackensack