Manville became the first municipality to unveil an official "Victory Town" marker recognizing the march of French and American troops through the Borough on their way to win the American Revolution at Yorktown in 1781.

The marker commemorates the path taken by thousands of Continental and French soldiers as they moved south in one of the most consequential military campaigns in American history.

In remarks prior to the unveiling, Brad Fay with the National Washington-Rochambeau Revolutionary Route Association Inc. (W3R-US), provided a brief history lesson covering the critical timeline of the march to Yorktown and the pivotal role Manville played.

In fact, there are 200 municipalities across nine states and the District of Columbia who witnessed the nearly 700-mile march and have earned the designation of "Victory Town".

The unveiling ceremony took place on a day of purpose, May 4th, the 248th anniversary of the Continental Congress's ratification of the Treaty of Alliance and the Treaty of Amity and Commerce.

By ratifying the treaties with France, the Continental Congress formally entered the United States into its first international alliance, unlocking the troops, ships, supplies, and diplomatic recognition that ultimately made victory at Yorktown achievable.

As our country prepares to celebrate our 250th anniversary, additional "Victory Town" markers are expected to be unveiled in Franklin, Montgomery, and Rocky Hill.

Manville's marker stands as both a tribute to the past, and a celebration of the Borough's role in the enduring story of American independence.