History comes to life in Paulsboro to celebrate the 250th anniversary of Fort Billingsport

PAULSBORO, New Jersey (WPVI) -- On July 5, 1776, Fort Billingsport was established to protect Philadelphia, and is considered the first federal land purchase after the Declaration of Independence was signed.

Today, Paulsboro community members honored their piece of local US history on its 250th anniversary.

New Jersey Senator John Burzichelli was there to welcome guests during the opening ceremony.

There was also a small village of tents that guests could visit to share historical information.

"Shortly after Congress approved the Declaration of Independence, they also approved the purchase of 96 acres of land right where we're standing. The land would be used for a small fort that would protect a blockade...to prevent the British fleet and the British Army from reaching Philadelphia," said Dr. Walter Quint, Chairman of the Paulsboro Revolution 250 Committee.

"This gives us a chance to come together as a village, celebrate our past, and a very unique part in American history. Hopefully we grow. Hopefully the problems that we have now, we will have solved. We've come a long way, but I suspect in 250 years there will be new issues...and look back in this time and say, 'you know, the people 250 years ago did a good job.'" he continued.

For more information, check out the video above.

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