Images from the Re-enactment of the Battle of Monmouth held June 24-25, 2000

click images for larger picture

Photos © Allan Dean

MONMOUTH BATTLEFIELD - With the entry of France into the American War for Independence in the early part of 1778, the complexity of the American Revolution changed. No longer was the conflict merely between rebelling colonials against a mother country, now the War assumed global dimensions. To counter the entry of France into the conflict, England decided to concentrate its forces in North American in order to send soldiers and sailors to other parts of the world.

On June 18,1778 the British Army withdrew from Philadelphia, which had been captured and occupied the prior fall. Without enough shipping to move the Army: its baggage and the Loyalist civilians, the British were forced to march across New Jersey on its way to New York City (which it held until 1784). There were three routes available to the British: The Upper Road through Trenton and New Brunswick; the Post or York Road through Allentown, Hightstown and Cranbury; and, the Burlington Path through Monmouth County towards Sandy Hook. On June 25th, the British decided to evade the American Army by marching through Monmouth County. Along its way, it destroyed homes, farms, shops, taverns and even churches - anything to punish the disloyal rebels. On June 27th, the 20,000 man British Army marched into Monmouth Courthouse where it rested for nearly two days.

General Washington was eagerly awaiting news of the British route through the Jerseys. After crossing the Delaware River at Lambertville, he ordered several strong detachments ahead to pursue, harass and slow down the British. When he learned of the enemy's march to Monmouth, Washington ordered his Main Army in full pursuit and pushed his men forward in hopes of bringing on a favorable engagement. On the morning of June 28, 1718, the two armies were within striking distance of one another Washington's second-in-command, General Charles Lee was ordered to attack the British once they had left Monmouth Courthouse and were strung out on the winding roads.

Lee's advance, and the confusing action which followed are portrayed each year on the original battlefield. Brought to life by hundreds of volunteer living historians, or re-enactors, the Annual Battle of Monmouth commemorates the sacrifices of our Nation's Revolutionary Generation.

Native Americans at Monmouth

Amongst the 15,000 Patriot troops and militia which participated in the Monmouth Campaign were men and women representing each segment of colonial American society. One of these groups, not given due appreciation or even recognition, were the thousands of Native American men who fought on the side of the United States against British authority. At Monmouth, fifty such men fought in New England regiments alongside their white and black neighbors. The American Revolution had devastating consequences for the already marginal communities in New England and the Northeast. In many cases, most of the males either died in battle or by disease. Native American communities contributed more soldiers by proportion than did the general population.

The Friends of Monmouth Battlefield took time this year to honor the men and families of the Algonquian and Iroquois nations which were present at Monmouth. Mohican, Pequot. Mohegan, Wampanoag, Mashpee, Oneida, Tuscarora, and other Native tribes were represented on the hallowed ground of Monmouth.

For more information about the Friends of Monmouth Battlefield write to P.O. Box 122, Tennent, NJ 07763 or call (732) 390-6154.