Learning history where it happened: Battle of Crooked Billet

As the nation prepares to celebrate its 250th birthday, elementary students brought the American Revolution time period to life on the very ground where the Battle of Crooked Billet was fought. Although the Declaration of Independence was signed in 1776, the Revolutionary War was ongoing through 1783, coming to Hatboro on May 1, 1778. To celebrate the Revolutionary War heroes, Crooked Billet Elementary School held its annual ceremony on May 1, 2026.

Students dressed in Colonial Era outfits opened the ceremony by raising the American flag and laying a tribute wreath at the Crooked Billet monument in front of the school. During this ceremony, fifth-grade students provided background on the Battle of Crooked Billet. The battle began when revolutionaries under the command of General John Lacey were attacked in the early morning hours by the British Redcoats, led by Lieutenant Colonel Abercromby. The rebel troops had stopped on what is now school land to rest during their journey to deliver fresh food to troops at Valley Forge. Twenty-six of them died in the surprise attack, including John Downey, a young schoolmaster. The program concluded with students donning bonnets and tri-cornered hats performing a colonial line dance.

In addition to the outdoor ceremony, students sat in on assemblies. Clint Flack from the Mercer Museum presented to grades 3-5 on the Doan Gang and their role during the Revolutionary War. Additionally, all grades (Pre-K-5) attended a laser light show assembly entitled “Star-Spangled Spectacular.”