President of Princeton Battlefield Society: We need to preserve this landmark

Jerry Hurwitz, president of The Princeton Battlefield Society, joined the discussion of developing the Princeton Battlefield today by giving us some background on what took place at the location and why it's important to keep this spot untouched.

"If anybody knows or studies what Washington did in the American Revolution, I think the high point of his generalship was demonstrated at Princeton," said Hurwitz. "Princeton was absolutely brilliant on the part of Washington. He almost single-highhandedly crippled the British Army at Princeton."

Hurwitz pointed to a "daring" advancement against British troops during the wee hours of the morning to help gain American control of Central Jersey territories like Trenton and New Brunswick as an example of this monumental feat.

Earlier in the show, Lawyer Bruce Afran noted that the Institute for Advanced Study (IAS), which sits adjacent to the battlefield, is in the process of excavating the site to build housing for its educational program. The project would disrupt the natural landscape of the location.

Hurwitz mentioned a back-and-forth legal struggle against IAS involving the Delaware-Raritan Canal Commission, in which a commissioner changed his vote to ultimately support IAS.

I pointed out to Hurwitz that a caller suggested having Revolutionary War reenactors lay on the field as a way to get public attention about this issue, and Hurwitz said his organization is considering it.

Listen to his entire segment in the clip above, and check out Afran's full interview for more info on this topic.

People don't realize that government can be helpful in preserving history. Let's rally to save this piece of country's past. Continue this conversation by tweeting @BillSpadea.

Bill Spadea is host of the Chasing News TV program and the NJ 101.5 morning show. You can daily hear his opinion about all things New Jersey here, or by tweeting @BillSpadea.

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