In celebration of the nation’s 250th anniversary, the Sherrill Administration welcomes residents and visitors to attend the annual reenactment of the pivotal Battle of Monmouth at Monmouth Battlefield State Park in Monmouth County. The two-day living history event will take place from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday, June 20, and from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sunday, June 21.
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Family-friendly activities throughout the weekend will include military encampments, cannon and musket-firing demonstrations, children’s musket drills, Colonial-era music, a program about Molly Pitcher and a memorial service hosted by the Sons of the American Revolution. The weekend’s featured event, the Battle of Monmouth reenactment, will take place on both days, recreating one of the largest and longest battles of the Revolutionary War. A full schedule of events is available on the New Jersey State Parks website. “The story of our nation cannot be told without reflecting on the central role our great state played in its formation,” said Environmental Protection Acting Commissioner Ed Potosnak. “This year’s reenactment takes on even greater meaning as we celebrate this milestone birthday of America. We encourage the public to come to Monmouth Battlefield this weekend to appreciate the courage and determination of the brave soldiers who fought and died to gain our freedom, as well as the liberty and prosperity that have come to define New Jersey.” “Living history events like the Battle of Monmouth reenactment transform history from words on a page into something people can truly see, hear and experience,” said John Cecil, Assistant Commissioner for State Parks, Forests & Historic Sites. “Events like this underscore the importance of preserving New Jersey’s historic sites and passing the stories that unfolded here on to future generations.” A donation of $15 per vehicle is suggested. The annual reenactment is made possible through a partnership with the Friends of Monmouth Battlefield State Park, a New Jersey State Parks Officially Recognized Friends Organization.
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Fought on June 28, 1778, the Battle of Monmouth marked a turning point for the Continental Army following its winter encampment at Valley Forge. Under the leadership of General George Washington, American forces withstood repeated British attacks during a daylong battle across fields, orchards and wooded terrain in Monmouth County. By the battle’s end, more than 600 British and Continental Army soldiers had been killed, wounded or reported missing, and the Continental Army held the field. This year’s event commemorates the 248th anniversary of the battle. The Battle of Monmouth also gave rise to one of New Jersey’s most lasting Revolutionary War legends, Molly Pitcher, also known as Mary Ludwig Hays. The legend holds that during the battle, Hays carried water to soldiers in the intense summer heat and later assisted at the cannons after her husband, William Hays, was unable to continue fighting. Her actions became a lasting symbol of courage and resilience during the Revolution. “The Battle of Monmouth was a defining moment in the Revolutionary War and a powerful chapter in New Jersey’s history as the Crossroads of the American Revolution,” said Mark Texel, Administrator for State Historic Sites. “Living history events like this connect people to the individuals who fought here nearly 250 years ago and help preserve these stories for future generations to learn from and appreciate.” Improvements to Monmouth Battlefield Funding dedicated to New Jersey’s Revolutionary War historic sites supported improvements at Monmouth Battlefield State Park in preparation for this year’s 250th anniversary of the United States.
Improvements include new interpretive and wayfinding signage, addition of new exhibits and displays in the visitor center, and development of a preservation and interpretation plan for the Craig House Historic Site. Additionally, the historic Sutfin House, one of three remaining homes on the battlefield that stood during the Battle of Monmouth, has undergone stabilization work funded through constitutionally dedicated Corporate Business Tax revenue in accordance with the Preserve New Jersey Act.