History and Hiking at Monmouth Battlefield State Park in Manalapan, New Jersey

Monmouth Battlefield State Park in Manalapan, New Jersey, has long been a special place for me to wander. I grew up not too far away in Freehold and spent many days of my childhood exploring the battlefield. Our school's field day was even held there! On a recent trip to New Jersey, we visited the battlefield for a little adventure enjoying nature and history. Monmouth Battlefield remains one of my favorite places to visit in the United States.

Pivotal Battle of the Revolutionary War

Waged on June 28, 1778, in the heat of summer, the Battle of Monmouth would become one of the most pivotal battles of the Revolutionary War. The British were on retreat from Philadelphia following the formation of an American alliance with France. The Continental Army stationed at Valley Forge pursued the British Army meeting them at Monmouth Battlefield. The Continental Army forced the British Army to retreat after a fierce cannonade thus winning a major psychological victory for the beleaguered Continental Army.

The former cannon field is now green with grass and bordered by trees at Monmouth Battlefield.

The battle is noted for some of the fiercest fighting during the war. The cannonade lasted for 3 hours -- the longest of the war. Additionally, the 100-degree heat caused many soldiers to have heat exhaustion.

After perusing the exhibits of the Visitor's Center, we descended towards a brook. On the way, we noted historical markers and learned about the battle. We stood where some of the American cannons fired on the British. Today, this spot of fierce battle is entirely peaceful. Truly mindblowing to think about the thunder that existed there during the battle! We continued on to the brook.

The Craig House located in the preserve is an example of a colonial farmhouse and is open during limited times.

A brook quietly flows through Monmouth Battlefield.

Every June, there is a reenactment at the battlefield. My family often visited during the reenactments to learn more about the war. We enjoyed visiting the encampment, watching the battle, and experiencing a dynamic look at history.

Interesting Fact: The Battle of Monmouth is where Mary Ludwig Hays aka Molly Pitcher became famous for taking over her husband's cannon after he collapsed. Molly Pitchers were women that brought water to troops in battle. It is important to note that Mary's service was heroic and she was not the only woman to serve in battle during the Revolution.

Hiking Rolling Terrain at Monmouth Battlefield

The battlefield is also an incredible nature preserve full of hiking adventures, flora, and fauna. There are a number of trails to choose from and some interweave so you can cobble together your own adventure. We embarked on a trail through the rolling woodlands.

The woodlands showed the buds of woodland flowers of spring. Birds fluttered around enjoying the spring sun. We enjoyed a peaceful hike all to ourselves basking in the sights and sounds of the forest. We did encounter some wetlands on this hike but mainly savored the peace of the arbors of the preserve.

A Working Landscape

In addition to preserving the site of the battle and fabulous nature trails, Monmouth Battlefield also has a working landscape. At the time of the battle, the land was used as farmland. Today, portions are still farmed growing soybeans, corn, and wheat. Additionally, Battleview Orchard offers seasonal picking of apples, pumpkins, strawberries, cherries, and more. Visits to Battleview Orchard were much loved during my childhood!

A natural trail winds through the early spring woods at Monmouth Battlefield.

Monmouth Battlefield State Park provides a beautiful location for reflection on the Revolutionary War as well as a peaceful setting for your own self-reflection. The combination between history and nature provides plenty of fuel for thought. With the number of trails and the seasonal changes of nature, no two visits are the same. On every visit, I feel the peace, beauty, and solemnity of this special place.