Why is there a Minuteman statue at Elizabeth and First Avenue in Elizabeth New Jersey?

Answer 1

The statue is of Ensign Moses Ogden who with 12 other men waited at the spot where the statue stands today for the British and Hessian troops on the night of June 6, 1780. In 1780 the spot was called the Crossroads and Ogden was under orders to watch for the British, fire a volley of musket fire at them, and retreat. As a consequence of his actions the British commanding officer was wounded stopping the British and Hessian officer decided not to move forward with the invasion. The final result was the British never gained control of New Jersey. Ogden was a native of Elizabeth and is buried in the Elizabeth Presbyterian cementary today.

Answer 2

It was here that a small party of Minutemen slowed a British Force with one volley, allowing the Continental Army and the New Jersey Militia to prevent the British from capturing a large number of supplies.