Although it is less well-known than the sites of Valley Forge, Morristown and New Windsor, the Artillery Cantonment site at Pluckemin holds great significance for the history of the Revolution and of the Continental Army. Its association with military events in the Crossroads of the American Revolution, and with General Henry Knox and his efforts (encouraged by Washington) to improve the artillery and the supply of the army make it a place of importance. It remains easy to appreciate the setting of the site in the modern landscape. The sophistication of the buildings erected at the site is reflective of the skills and aspirations of the American forces by the middle years of the War. Finally, the very rich archaeological data at the site, both that already recovered and that remaining with integrity below ground, make the site a significant property for future research.

From December 1778 through February 1779 an E-shaped complex of buildings, including the large and architecturally sophisticated academy building as well as barracks, officers' quarters, and armorers' and artificers' shops, was erected, together with numerous outlying structures. The structures erected at the cantonment were substantial, including barracks and workshop buildings ranging from 200 to 450 feet in length. Excavations suggest that many of these buildings were of frame construction, with finished interiors and glass windows, unlike the crude log cabins built on many winter campsites. Included were a forge, a tinsmith's shop, artificers' quarters, officers' quarters and enlisted men's rooms. Also untouched were the field officers' quarters and the scatter of structures to the north of the site. The most incredible part is the historic Pluckemin Academy, America's first military training facility.