Mount Laurel played a small part in the American Revolution. Although no bloody battles were fought on Township ground, the American troops, led by General Washington, and the British forces, led by General Clinton, did pass through the area and camped here en route to meeting each other for battles elsewhere in New Jersey. Washington led over 20,000 men (about half the current population of Mount Laurel) through the area from Philadelphia, and Clinton’s army numbered about 15,000. It is reported that Washington’s army did camp here for over a month; Clinton’s for a few days.
General Clinton used a nearby tavern as the headquarters and a hospital for wounded soldiers. Other soldiers climbed trees on the 100 foot mount to see the location of Washington’s army. When Washington came, the British headed northeast until they were confronted to fight at the famous Battle of Monmouth.
