Monmouth Battlefield State Park facts for kids
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Monmouth Battlefield
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The Craig House, quartered as a hospital for British troops during the Battle of Monmouth
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 Location in Monmouth County, New Jersey
Location in New Jersey
Location in the United States
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| Location | Manalapan Township / Freehold Township, Monmouth County, New Jersey |
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| Built | 1778 |
| NRHP reference No. | 66000467 |
Quick facts for kids Significant dates |
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| Added to NRHP | October 15, 1966 |
| Designated NHLD | January 20, 1961 |
Monmouth Battlefield State Park is a huge park in New Jersey. It covers about 1,818 acres (or 7.36 square kilometers) and is located in Monmouth County. This park is super important because it protects the land where a big battle of the American Revolutionary War happened in 1778. This battle was called the Battle of Monmouth.
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Exploring Monmouth Battlefield Park
Monmouth Battlefield State Park looks a lot like it did way back in the 1700s. You'll find old orchards, open fields, thick woods, and even some wetlands here. It's a great place to visit with miles of trails for hiking and even horseback riding. There are also nice spots for picnics. You can even see a restored old farmhouse from the Revolutionary War era, called the Craig House.
Visitor Center and Exhibits
The park has a visitor center located on top of Combs Hill. This hill was an important spot for the Continental Army's cannons during the battle. Inside the visitor center, you can see cool artifacts that were found right here on the battlefield. These items help tell the story of what happened during the fight. The visitor center was updated in 2013, so it's ready for you to explore!
Annual Battle Reenactment
One of the most exciting things that happens at the park is the annual battle reenactment. Every second weekend in June, people dress up in old uniforms and act out the 1778 battle. It's like stepping back in time and seeing history come alive! This event has been happening for decades and is a favorite for many visitors.
History of the Battle of Monmouth
The Battle of Monmouth happened on June 28, 1778. It was one of the biggest battles of the American Revolution. Sir Henry Clinton and his British troops were leaving Monmouth Court House. George Washington and his Continental Army planned to surprise the British soldiers from behind.
The battle took place in the fields and forests that are now part of Monmouth Battlefield State Park. It was a long and tough fight, but in the end, it was a standoff. Neither side truly won, but it showed that the Continental Army could stand up to the British.
The Legend of Molly Pitcher
The Battle of Monmouth is also famous for a brave American legend: Molly Pitcher. She was a housewife who was helping during the battle. When her husband, who was a gunner, was hurt or died, Molly bravely took his place at the cannon. She kept firing the cannon herself! To remember her courage, there's a white monument (called a cenotaph) near the battlefield.
Historic Farmhouses at the Battlefield
The battlefield area used to have many old farmhouses from the colonial times. Even though many of them are gone now because of new buildings, three of the original seven houses from the time of the battle are still standing in the park.
These include:
- The Sutfin Farmhouse, built in 1731.
- The Rhea-Applegate House, built in 1745.
- The Craig House, built in 1746.
Other old homes were built on the battlefield later. The Conover-Perrine House, built in 1832, is north of the park. It stands where an older 18th-century house used to be. The Cobb House, built in 1872, is also nearby. Sadly, the Combs' Farmhouse, which was from the mid-1700s, was taken down in the 1960s.
Images for kids
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1872 Cobb House, Monmouth Battlefield
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Molly Pitcher Spring Marker
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Molly Pitcher Spring
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Field facing the Sutfin Farmhouse
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Sutfin House
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General Von Steuben Memorial
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Abandoned barn near the Craig House
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Rhea Applegate House
