| Cedar Bridge Tavern | |
| Coordinates: | 39.7833°N -74.3605°W |
| Built: | ca. 1740 |
| Architecture: | Federal |
| Added: | August 7, 2013 |
| Refnum: | 13000586 |
The Cedar Bridge Tavern is a historic building located in the New Jersey Pine Barrens in Barnegat Township. It was built around 1740 and is believed to be the oldest intact bar in the United States. It is located at the site of the last skirmish of the American Revolutionary War. It is on the National Register of Historic Places.
While the Siege of Yorktown and surrender by Cornwallis is considered the last major conflict on American soil during the American Revolution, dozens of small engagements and skirmishes took place up to the signing of the Treaty of Paris. The last conflict took place on the Jersey Shore in 1782.
On December 27, 1782, forces for the new republic led by Captains Richard Shreve and Edward Thomas were informed that notorious Loyalist John Bacon was in the vicinity of the tavern. They engaged Bacon and his Loyalist bandits (known now as "Refugees") at Cedar Bridge. A brief exchange of gunfire took place, and Bacon and his men were able to escape. One Patriot was killed, and four were wounded. Four Loyalists were wounded, including Bacon.[1]
According to a 1981 survey by preservationists working with the New Jersey Office of Cultural and Environmental Services, the Cedar Bridge Tavern was estimated to have been built around 1740 close to a stage coach route between Camden and the Jersey Shore. The wood-sided tavern with the long front porch has served as a hotel, restaurant and bar for travelers. Ocean County purchased the property from its last owner, Rudolf Koenig, in 2008 for $120,000. The structure still sits on dirt road and is surrounded by pine trees.[2] It was added to the National Register of Historic Places on August 7, 2013.[3] Ocean County is spending $2.2 million to refurbish and develop the site, including building a caretaker's cottage and an outdoor classroom facility.[4]
The "Affair at Cedar Bridge" is reenacted each year on December 17.