ADVISORY:
September 15, 2026
CONTACT:
Derek Sands
Dsands@bergencountynj.gov
BERGEN250 TO HOST BAYLOR MASSACRE MEMORIAL CEREMONY
County partners with River Vale, Sons of the American Revolution and Daughters of the American Revolution to commemorate historic Revolutionary War site
RIVER VALE, NJ – As part of the Bergen250 initiative, Bergen County Executive James J. Tedesco, III and the Bergen County Board of Commissioners invite the public to join Bergen County, the Borough of River Vale, the Sons of the American Revolution, and the Daughters of the American Revolution for a memorial ceremony commemorating the Baylor Massacre on Sunday, September 27 at 1:30 p.m. at the historic Baylor Massacre Burial Site in River Vale.
The ceremony will be the first of three annual commemorations hosted at the historic site leading into September 2028, which will mark 250 years since the Baylor Massacre.
“Bergen County played a significant role in the American Revolution, and Bergen250 gives us an opportunity to ensure that history is remembered and passed on to future generations,” said County Executive James J. Tedesco, III. “The Baylor Massacre is a solemn chapter in that history and a reminder that the fight for American independence took place right here in our own communities. We have a responsibility to preserve these historic places, tell their stories, and honor those who sacrificed for the freedoms we enjoy today.”
In the early morning hours of September 28, 1778, British forces launched a surprise attack against members of the 3rd Continental Light Dragoons, commanded by Lieutenant Colonel George Baylor, who were quartered at farms in what is now River Vale. American soldiers were killed, wounded, and captured during the attack that became known as the Baylor Massacre.
Six of the fallen soldiers were buried in abandoned tanning vats along the Hackensack River. Their remains were rediscovered during an archaeological excavation in 1967 and later reinterred at the site, which today is preserved by Bergen County as a historic park and burial ground.
“As part of Bergen250, we have a responsibility to tell the stories of the people and events here in Bergen County that helped shape our nation,” said Bergen250 liaison and County Commissioner Mary Amoroso. “The Baylor Massacre site provides a direct and powerful connection to our Revolutionary history. This ceremony gives our community an opportunity to honor the soldiers who sacrificed here while building toward a meaningful commemoration of this historic event in 2028.”
The memorial ceremony will bring together County and local officials, historical organizations, and members of the community for an afternoon of remembrance and reflection.
Baylor Massacre Memorial Ceremony
Sunday, September 27, 2026
1:30 p.m.
Baylor Massacre Burial Site
486 Rivervale Road
River Vale, NJ 07675
The event is free and open to the public.
Bergen250 is Bergen County’s initiative to commemorate the 250th anniversary of the founding of the United States while highlighting Bergen County’s important role in the American Revolution and preserving that history for generations to come.
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