WARREN COUNTY, N.J. — New signs have been installed along a portion of County Route 519 officially designated as the Dr. Joseph Warren Memorial Highway, commemorating the Revolutionary War patriot for whom Warren County is named.
The designation, approved by the Warren County Board of County Commissioners earlier this year, applies to the section of Route 519 between County Route 646 and County Route 620 in Harmony and White townships, including the roadway in front of the county government complex.
Deputy Director James R. Kern III announced this week that the highway signs are now in place as the nation prepares to celebrate the 250th anniversary of American independence.
“As we prepare to celebrate our nation’s 250th anniversary, I’m proud to share that the signs are now up honoring the patriot for whom Warren County is named,” Kern said. “The Dr. Joseph Warren Memorial Highway serves as a lasting tribute to a physician, patriot, and Revolutionary War hero who gave his life for American independence at the Battle of Bunker Hill.
“May every traveler who passes these signs take a moment to remember the legacy of Dr. Joseph Warren and why Warren County proudly bears his name.”
Commissioner Director Lori Ciesla previously said the designation recognizes Warren’s lasting contributions to the American Revolution.
“Dr. Joseph Warren was a key patriot in pursuing our freedom,” Ciesla said. “His life was taken too early on the battlefield, but his contributions were huge in the fight for independence.”
Born in Massachusetts on June 11, 1741, Warren was a Boston physician and an influential patriot leader during the early days of the American Revolution.
He played a critical role in warning colonial militias of British troop movements before the Battles of Lexington and Concord by dispatching Paul Revere and William Dawes on their famous ride on April 18, 1775.
Warren later served in the opening battles of the Revolutionary War and was commissioned a major general in the Massachusetts militia. Despite his rank, he chose to fight on the front lines and was killed at the Battle of Bunker Hill on June 18, 1775.
According to county officials, British Gen. Thomas Gage reportedly said Warren’s death was “equal to 500 men,” reflecting his importance to the patriot cause.
When residents separated from Sussex County to form Warren County roughly 50 years later, they chose to name the new county after Dr. Warren in recognition of his service and sacrifice during the American Revolution.
