MANALAPAN — On June 28-29, Monmouth Battlefield State Park, Route 33, will host the celebration of the 225th anniversary of the Battle of Monmouth — the longest land artillery battle of the American Revolution.
Exactly 225 years to the day after the battle, more than 2,300 re-enactors will present a recreation of the Battle of Monmouth, set up 18th-century army camps for tours and present a variety of living history programs.
More information is available at the Web site www.monmouthbattlefield.com.
During the afternoon of Sunday, June 28, 1778, the hills and meadows of Monmouth Courthouse disappeared under clouds of gun smoke. When the firing subsided, more than 600 men were dead, dying, or wounded, and the Continental Army held the field.
The Battle of Monmouth was a turning point in the American Revolutionary War. In 1776 and 1777, the British Army had repeatedly defeated the main Continental Army. By the beginning of 1778, Gen. George Washington and the Continental Army desperately needed a victory.
On June 18, concerned that the French might block the Delaware River, the British abandoned Philadelphia and began marching their army of 20,000 British, German, and Loyalist troops across New Jersey to their main base in New York City. On June 19, Washington and 13,000 men, fresh from Von Steuben’s military training at Valley Forge, Pa., set out to intercept the Crown forces.
The battle began at about 10 a.m., 2 miles east of Manalapan at Monmouth Courthouse (Freehold) and continued for more than seven hours, making it one of the longest battles of the Revolution. By 5:30 p.m., the British had retreated and the firing ceased. At dawn on the following day, Washington moved fresh troops forward to resume the battle, but the British forces had slipped away during the night to continue their journey to New York City.
The Battle of Monmouth was a political triumph for the Continental Army and Washington. The Continental Army had met the British in open field, held their own and forced them to retreat. It was their first victory in two years.
Monmouth Battlefield State Park’s 2,360 acres are now peaceful. Wildlife is abundant in the woods and marshes, while the fields produce crops of corn, wheat and soybeans.
Visitors can take a "History Hike" to see where the battle was fought, stroll along a shady woodland path, or cross meadows watching for red fox, songbirds, or red-tailed hawks.
Historical re-enactors are the heart and soul of the 225th anniversary of the Battle of Monmouth. They bring to life the people of the American Revolutionary War period. More than 2,300 men and women have traveled across the United States, Canada, Europe and Australia to participate in the Battle of Monmouth. They come from all walks of life and educational backgrounds, but share an interest in the history of the people who lived during the 18th century. Many participate with their entire family.
Many of their programs are focused around military engagements of the American Revolutionary War, where the roles of infantry, dragoon (cavalry), artillery and navy are re-enacted. But the re-enactors also research and recreate many aspects of the home and work life of the people who lived in those times.