Camp Merritt Memorial Circle

Camp Merritt Memorial Circle is a military monument located at the intersection of Madison Avenue and Knickerbocker Road in Cresskill. It features a 66-foot granite obelisk with carved reliefs and inscriptions honoring those who died at the site.

Camp Merritt operated as a major military facility between 1917 and 1919 during World War I, serving as a staging ground for American soldiers heading to Europe. The memorial marks the site where many died, particularly during the 1918 influenza outbreak that swept through the camp.

The monument displays names of those who died at the camp during the 1918 influenza outbreak, including soldiers, officers, nurses, and civilians. These names are carved into the base, serving as a reminder of those lost during that period.

The memorial site is accessible year-round at a busy traffic circle and can be easily viewed from the street. Parking is available along the streets adjacent to the monument.

A copper plaque near the obelisk features a raised stone map of the original camp layout integrated into the ground surface. This detail helps visitors understand the scale and organization of the former military complex.

Location: New Jersey

GPS coordinates: 40.94130,-73.97680

Latest update: December 14, 2025 09:46