How Did Montgomery Township Get Its Name?

A historical society is offering a $100 reward for indisputable proof that the township is, in fact, named after Gen. Richard Montgomery

By Barbara A. Preston | Posted December 29, 2025

Gen. Montgomery died at the Battle of Quebec, an early but strategically important battle fought before the Declaration of Independence. This tenacious siege and assault during blizzard conditions demonstrated the resolve and determination of the Continental Army.

In the years following Gen. Montgomery’s sacrifice for American independence, many county and municipal governments nationwide adopted his name to honor his bravery. Montgomery Township, NJ, officials plan to honor the general by placing a plaque in the municipal building.

Maj. Gen. Montgomery. (Click for source of photo)

A Wikipedia search reveals that “Montgomery” is the 7th most common name in the United States. It’s beaten out by Washington (George), Jefferson (Thomas), Franklin (Benjamin), Jackson (Andrew), Lincoln (Abraham), and Madison (James). In addition to counties named for the general, there also are countless towns and cities named “Montgomery.”

Montgomery Township, just north of Princeton, NJ, is likely named for the revolutionary war general, however, this would likely be documented somewhere. Right? But where?

The Van Harlingen Historical Society (VHHS), is running a contest: Prove that Montgomery Township, NJ, is named for Gen. Montgomery and win $100.

VHHS is sponsoring a lecture on Dec. 30 at 2 pm in which attendees may learn more about Gen. Richard Montgomery and the battle in which he died. VHHS leadership is looking for documentation to add to their collection of important papers that shows the official naming of the township.

Township Committee's Tribute and Plaque

The second event involving the namesake of the township, and this newspaper, was scheduled to occur in late December. The mayor and township officials scheduled a brief ceremony to honor the late general at the municipal building.

The Tribute to Gen. Montgomery scheduled for Wednesday, December 31 has been postponed to Saturday, January 31 based upon feedback from many residents of being away due to the holidays, according to an email memo sent on Dec. 23.

The Color Guard of the NJ Society of the Sons of the American Revolution were invited to participate in this ceremony, and township officials planned to read the wording of a plaque, which will soon be installed somewhere in the municipal building.

Incidentally, the wording for the plaque is still being edited as of this article. Township Administrator Lori Savron told The Montgomery News, that she is "unsure of when it will be ready. We are not rushing it."

An oil painting by John Trumbull titled, "The Death of General Montgomery in the Attack on Quebec, December 31, 1775." Montgomery Township is reportedly named Maj. Gen. Montgomery.

The Wording on the Plaque

In December, Township Committee was in the final stages of approving a plaque to honor Gen. Montgomery, aiming to strike a balance between honoring the town’s namesake and acknowledging the complexities of his history as the 250th anniversary of his death approaches.

During a discussion at the Township Committee meeting on Dec. 4, officials reviewed draft language for the memorial, which is being developed in coordination with the local “Revolution 250” committee. A primary focus of the text is to present a “comprehensive look” at the general’s legacy — specifically noting the contradiction that while he fought for American freedom, he was also an enslaver of people.

“We wanted to recognize the full history and the complexity and contradictions that happened during that time,” said Township Administrator Lori Savron during the meeting.

The Township Committee’s draft text for the plaque states, Gen. Montgomery “is remembered for his courage and sacrifice in pursuit of American independence. Yet, we also acknowledge he was an enslaver, as were many of his contemporaries. His life reflects the profound contradictions of the Revolutionary generation — champions of liberty who nevertheless upheld systems of bondage. We remember not only the ideals for which he fought, but also the unfinished struggle for freedom that continues.”

The plaque may also include a quote from Gen. George Washington, who also enslaved hundreds of people at his Mount Vernon estate, benefiting from their forced labor for tobacco and other crops, though he grew increasingly conflicted about slavery, eventually freeing his own slaves in his will but not those belonging to his wife’s estate, according to mountvernon.org.

Washington’s draft quote for the plaque on Montgomery’s municipal building reads:  

“I am heartily sorry and most sincerely console with you upon the unhappy fall of the brave and worthy Gen. Montgomery and those gallant officers and men who have experienced a like fate.”

The quote was researched and provided by former Montgomery Deputy Mayor Brad Fay, who now lives in Griggstown and heads up the National Washington-Rochambeau Revolutionary Route Association Inc. (W3R-US), a private sector 501c3 partner to the Washington Rochambeau National Historic Trail.

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Military Title Highlighted 

Committeeman Vince Barragan emphasized the need for precise military terminology on the plaque regarding Montgomery’s rank. While the draft described Montgomery as an “officer of high rank,” Barragan argued for more specific language.

“Officer of high rank is too vague,” Barragan said, suggesting the text be amended to reflect his status as the first American General killed in combat.

Gen. Montgomery’s Biography

Montgomery was born in Swords, County Dublin, Ireland, to a wealthy family of Ulster Scots. He joined the British Army in 1756, and was transferred to the Thirteen Colonies, fighting in the French and Indian War. Afterwards, he returned to Britain for health reasons in 1761.

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In 1773, Montgomery returned to the Americas, where he settled down in New York. He was commissioned as a Brigadier General after becoming a member of the Continental Congress, as he was a man with military experience. Montgomery was given command of an army that would invade British Canada in the winter of 1775-1776, and his army captured Fort St. Jean (Montreal) from the British, capturing John Andre in the process. Montgomery would march on the Canadian capital of Quebec as another army also moved on the city, and on 31 December 1775 the American assault on Quebec began.

Montgomery led his troops into battle and assisted in the attack on the British, Iroquois, and Canadien forces at the Battle of Quebec alongside Benedict Arnold and his army. Montgomery led a charge against the British artillery, and he was shot in the head while most of his men were killed by grapeshot. Montgomery’s death was a blow to the patriots, who were forced to retreat from Canada.