The Battle of Monmouth Monument

The monument commemorating the Battle of Monmouth was unveiled at Freehold, New Jersey, on November 13, 1884. The ceremonies were led by Grand Marshall James S. Yard, who had been an active participant in the commission to erect a fitting monument dedicated to those killed in action.

The first step toward the erection of this monument was taken on the 99 th anniversary of the battle, June 28, 1877, in a commemorative address delivered by former governor Joel Parker at Freehold. On September 17, a preliminary meeting was held, and the Monmouth Battle Monument Association was formed on October 2, 1877. At this meeting, Parker was elected President and Mgr. James S. Yard, Secretary, and a General Committee of three men from each township in Monmouth County was selected to obtain funds to erect the monument. They raised approximately $10,000, received mainly from citizens of Monmouth County, of New Jersey, and from persons in other states whose ancestors participated in the battle. To this sum, the State Legislature contributed $10,000 and Congress $20,000.

On February 2, 1878, the heirs of Daniel S. Schanck, donated a section of land to the Association. The only stipulation made by the family was that a monument be erected on the plot and was subsequently called Monument Park.

The corner stone was laid on the Centennial Anniversary of the battle, June 28, 1878, complete with masonic ceremonies. Governor George B. McClellan and a large number of dignataries attended.

The designs and specifications for the monument were made by architects Emlin T. Littell and Douglas Smythe and sculptor J. E. Kelly. A contract was awarded in the amount of $36,000 to Maurice J. Power. Edward E. Raht was selected by the Monument Commission to super ise the construction and erection of the monument. Ground was formally broken on September 8, 1883.

The monument is located in a small triangular park at the junction of Court and Monument Streets in Freehold, New Jersey. Its base is composed of three massive spurs of Quincy granite, surmounted by a large drum shaped block on which are five bronze tablets, five feet high and six feet wide, with battle scenes depicted. Above this is a smaller drum with a ring of bronze shields bearing the coats of arms of the thrteen original colonies. In its center is the shaft, composed of Concord New England granite, of three sections of eleven feet each, joined together by rings of bay leaves cut in the granite. On top of the shaft is a capital with flying eagles. Upon the capital stands a colossal granite statue, "Liberty Triumphant," modeled by Mary Anderson, a famous actress of that time. The height to the top of the statue is approximately 100 feet.

The bronze tablets, designed by J. E. Kelly, were cast at the National Fine Arts Foundry in New York City, and they represent with graphic exactness, five scenes in the Revolutionary War battle:

1. Ramsey Defending His Guns. This tablet represents Lt. Col. Nathaniel Ramsey, of Maryland, in the closing effort to hold his position until the main army could be rallied, a feat on which General Washington depended. Ramsey was subsequently overwhelmed by the British Dragoons.

2. Washington Rallying the Troops. General Washington is seen rallying the troops, riding down through the American lines on his beautifil horse, which had been given to him by New Jersey War Governor William Livingston.

3. Molly Pitcher. The heroine of Monmouth County, with her dead husband at her feet. Old Tennent Church, still standing as a memorial of the battle is on the extreme left. General Knox, directing his artillary line is seen in the background. [In reality, Molly Pitcher's husband did not die at the Battle of Monmouth.]

4. Council of War at Hopewell. This tablet depicts Generals Washington, Lee, Greene, Stirling, Lafayette, Steuben, Knox, Poor, Wayne, Woodford, Patterson, Scott, and Duportail at the War Council at Hopewell, Old Hunterdon County, New Jersey, on June 24, 1778.

5. Wayne's Charge. The tablet depicts "Mad" Anthony Wayne leading his troops in the final charge of the day. The parsonage of Old Tennent Church can be seen in the background.

Compiled for the Monmouth County Historical Association by Jane Reynolds-Peck, 1996.