Red Bank

“The post with which you are entrusted is of the utmost importance. . . The whole defense of the Delaware absolutely depends on it.” General George Washington to Colonel Christopher Greene

“Colonel Greene…sends his compliments and he shall await Colonel Donop.” Colonel Christopher Greene

It’s October 22, 1777.

Three weeks ago, British troops marched into Philadelphia and now occupy the very birthplace of America’s call for independence. Imagine you are a Patriot here at Fort Mercer, a small but critical Patriot stronghold on the Delaware River. Your brothers-in-arms are across the water at Fort Mifflin and together, your mission is to block British naval advances into Philadelphia. The British occupy it now, but their hold is weak unless they control the river, too. Without access to the river to supply their troops occupying the city, the British hope of holding Philadelphia would be short-lived—and they know it.

And that’s where you come in.

A unique and determined force of about 400 Americans must band together here, including over 50 African American and Indigenous soldiers from the 1st and 2nd Rhode Island Regiments. You’re about to face one of the most fearsome forces the enemy can deploy. The Patriot commander here, Colonel Christopher Greene, has just received a hot tip==over 1,500 Hessians, are heading your way. Their commander, Colonel Carl von Donop, is rumored to have confidently proclaimed, “either that [Fort Mercer] will be Fort Donop or I shall be dead.” He’s willing to give his life in the battle for Fort Mercer.

Would you?