National landmark to host re-enactment of ’78 battle

MANALAPAN – To commemorate the 228th anniversary, more than 300 period re-enactors will recreate the 1778 Battle of Monmouth – the largest land artillery battle of the American Revolution – on June 24-25, at Mon-mouth Battlefield State Park, Route 33.

The event, held rain or shine, features men, women and children in 18th-century dress cooking over campfires, living in tents, and marching off to “battle” in the natural amphitheater next to the Visitors Center. At the parade ground, visitors can watch soldiers drill or artillerists fire their cannon.

New Jersey’s history comes alive in the British and Continental encamp-ments. Catch a glimpse of the pacing sentries, observe the enlisted men clean their weapons or idle away their time gambling, and watch the women of the army cook, mend and wash. For an up close look of 18th-century re-enactment supplies and education materials, guests can stop and shop with sutlers.

Witness Baron von Steuben – the German officer who retrained the Con-tinental Army at Valley Forge – barely escape the British before reporting to Gen. George Washington. Or join Steve Santucci, a member of Helms’ Company, 2nd New Jersey Regiment, while he stirs up some mischief in the Continental Army encampment, guaranteed to amuse and enlighten any sightseer.

Observe the members of 20 re-enacting units from Connecticut, New York, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Maryland and Virginia led by Carl Szathmary, from 3rd Pennsylvania Light Infantry, and John Naulty from New Jersey Volun-teers, 1st Battalion. The re-enactors will set the scenes that led to the court martial of Major Gen. Charles Lee, the bravery of Mary “Molly Pitcher” Hays, and Washington’s actions confirming his role as an inspirational leader.

The weekend is sponsored by the Friends of Monmouth Battlefield, Mon-mouth Battlefield State Park, and the re-enactment community. The Friends of Monmouth Battlefield will be requesting donations of $8 per car to help cover the costs of the weekend. Since only limited snacks will be available, families coming for the entire day should pack a picnic lunch.

For more information call Monmouth Battlefield State Park at (732) 780-5782 or (732) 462-9616.

The schedule follows:

June 24:

10 a.m., Camps open to public.

11:40 a.m., Artillery demonstration.

Noon, Baron Von Steuben’s escape and report.

12:30 p.m., Wreath laying ceremony.

1 p.m., Camp tour and children’s drill.

1:30 p.m., “Over Here, Molly Pitcher!”

2:40 p.m., Troops form to march to battle.

3 p.m., Re-enactment of the Battle of Monmouth.

June 25:

10 a.m., Camps open to public.

11 a.m. to Noon, Von Steuben drills the Continental Army.

11:30 a.m., Loyalist recruiting party (children’s drill).

Noon, Artillery demonstration.

12:30 p.m., “Over Here, Molly Pitcher!”

1 p.m., Tour the Continental camp – find a court martial in session.

1:40 p.m., Troops form to march to battle.

2 p.m., Re-enactment of the Battle of Monmouth.