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Monmouth County HistoryMonmouth County was established in 1675. Its name came from a suggestion from Colonel Lewis Morris. He suggested it be named after Monmouthshire, Wales. In 1714 the first county government was established. At the June 28, 1778 Battle of Monmouth, near Freehold, General George Washington's soldiers defeated the British under Sir Henry Clinton, in the largest battle of the American Revolutionary War. |
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Battle of Monmouth
The Battle of Monmouth was a American Revolutionary War battle fought on June 28, 1778, that was a turning point of the
American Revolution. The main American Continental Army under George Washington attacked the rear of the British Army's column
led by Sir Henry Clinton as they left Monmouth Court House (modern Freehold Borough, New Jersey).
American General Charles Lee led the advance and initiated the first attack on the column's rear. When the British turned to
flank him, he ordered a general retreat without so as much as firing a shot at the enemy, and his soldiers soon became
disorganized. Washington sent the dejected Lee to the rear, then personally rallied the troops and repelled two counterattacks
refered to as "Washingtons Advance". On a very hot day, the battle was a standoff. Both sides lost as many men to hyperthermia
as to the enemy. Both sides retired at nightfall.
The battle was the last major engagement of the northern theatre, and the largest one-day battle of the war when measured in
terms of participants. Lee was later court-martialed for his actions.
The legend of "Molly Pitcher" is usually associated with this battle. According to one story, she was a housewife who came to
battle with her husband and took his place at the cannon after he fell. Based on a true incident, the story idea is
embellished and has become a legend over the years.
Each year during the last weekend in June, the Battle of Monmouth is reenacted at Monmouth Battlefield State Park in modern
Freehold Township and Manalapan.
If you have any historical photos or other information regarding Monmouth Counties rich history, please let us know!
Email: history@ourmonmouth.com
"Monmouth County, New Jersey." Wikipedia. Wikipedia, 2005. Answers.com 15 Apr. 2006.
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