Washington's 'Eagle's Nest' Revolutionary War lookout in Bridgewater preserved

BRIDGEWATER – Somerset County has acquired the Eagle's Nest, a 1.43-acre property at the end of Miller Lane off Vosseler Avenue that Gen. George Washington's troops used as a lookout during the Revolutionary War.

Also known as Wayne’s Brigade Encampment, the Eagle’s Nest on top of First Watchung Mountain overlooking Chimney Rock and the Raritan Valley, was owned for several decades by Navy veteran Herbert Patullo, who owned his namesake restaurant on Vosseller Avenue in Bound Brook.

A history buff, Patullo showcased it, off-and-on, as a private Revolutionary War museum.

A lifelong resident of Bound Brook, Patullo wanted the property to be preserved and the county's acquisition was handled through the settlement of his estate following his death in 2020.

“On behalf of the Estate of Herbert Patullo, we are very pleased that Herb’s wishes and legacy are fulfilled with the transition of this property to the County of Somerset,” said John Bruder, co-executor of the estate, in a statement. “Herb expressly desired that the property be conveyed to the County so that the property would be maintained as an historic site and not developed. "

"He would be very happy to know that Somerset County shall preserve this property for the benefit of all its residents and use it as a centerpiece for its celebration of the 250th anniversary of this nation’s founding," Bruder continued. 

Local historian Robert A. Mayers wrote about the Eagle’s Nest in his book"Middlebrook: The Revolutionary War Encampment that Saved America."

In the book, he describes seven lookouts in the Watchung Mountains, including the most famous, Washington Rock in Green Brook. Mayers has dubbed the newly acquired property as “Middlebrook Washington Rock” and believes it was used by Washington more often than any other.

Also see:Four Central Jersey Revolutionary War sites to benefit from $25M in restoration funding

The Eagle's Nest is just a few miles from the Middlebrook Encampment where Washington's troops stayed in 1777 and 1778-79.

“The Revolutionary War was here. Washington stayed seven months right here,” said Mayers in a video released by Somerset County. “This is a fantastic place, and for 250 years it was forgotten!”

Somerset County acquired the Eagle's Nest with Open Space funds for $680,000.

The property will be incorporated into the surrounding Washington Valley Park.

The county is considering options for possible future uses of the small residential building, barn and pavilion that remain on the property. Until a plan is developed for the property, the buildings and adjacent fenced area will not be accessible to the public.

Email: mdeak@mycentraljersey.com

Mike Deak is a reporter for mycentraljersey.com. To get unlimited access to his articles on Somerset and Hunterdon counties, please subscribe or activate your digital account.