Sparta NJ Historical

Sparta NJ Historical Sparta Historical. This is my personal history blog. It is open for users to post. Join us for unique speakers and fellowship. PRESERVE THE VAN KIRK HOMESTEAD!!!

Sparta Historical Society is dedicated to discovering and preserving the history of Sparta, New Jersey. We Meet the 2nd Thursday of January, March, May, September, November at The Sparta Ambulance building at 7: 30 pm.

06/13/2026

Another vintage baseball game this Saturday at Ely Field! Lambertville Logan Base Ball Club

06/13/2026

After years of delays and doubt, Flemington’s Union Hotel is finally reopening — a major turning point for the town’s long-stalled revival. See link below ⬇️

📸 Provided by the Union Hotel

06/12/2026

162 Years Ago Today... Union forces burn the Virginia Military Institute

Union forces led by Gen. David Hunter entered Lexington on June 11.

On June 12, he ordered the destruction of many of VMI's buildings, including the barracks, classrooms, and military equipment. Hunter viewed the institute as a legitimate military target because it housed a state arsenal and was used as a training ground for Confederate officers. The troops also looted Lexington, burned the home of former Virginia Governor John Letcher, and carried off a prized bronze statue of George Washington from VMI’s campus as a trophy (it was returned in 1866).

Image: Virginia Military Institute after the Civil War, 1866
VMI Archives Digital Collections

06/11/2026

🇺🇸 On This Day in History – June 10, 1768 🇺🇸

Two hundred fifty-eight years ago today, British customs officials seized the cargo sloop Liberty in
Boston Harbor. The vessel belonged to John Hancock, merchant, patriot, and Brother Freemason. The seizure, stemming from a dispute over imported Madeira wine and British taxation policies, ignited public outrage throughout Boston and became one of the key events that escalated tensions between the American colonies and the Crown.

The unrest that followed helped set in motion a chain of events leading to the stationing of British troops in Boston, the Boston Massacre, and ultimately the American Revolution.

While Freemasonry did not create the Revolution, many of the men who would shape America’s fight for independence including Brothers John Hancock, Paul Revere, Joseph Warren, and later George Washington shared bonds forged both in their communities and within the Craft.

Today, as we reflect on this pivotal moment in our nation’s history, we remember the contributions of those Brothers who stood for liberty, self-governance, and the principles they believed would build a better future.

“The price of freedom is eternal vigilance.”

Address

Sparta, NJ
07871

Opening Hours

1pm - 4pm

Telephone

(973) 726-0883

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