I’ve lived in Monmouth County – and Manalapan, in fact – for most of my life, but I never took advantage of learning about the Battle of Monmouth, which made its way from Freehold Borough to Manalapan on June 28, 1778. I’ve hiked the woods and farmland of Monmouth Battlefield State Park and have spent time inside the Visitor Center, but I never truly immersed myself in a living reenactment.
That was, until last year.
Typically held over Father’s Day weekend, this year’s reenactment will be on June 28 and 29. It’s a meaningful way to spend the day with the kids learning about what families experienced during Revolutionary War times, while also getting ready for next year’s celebration of America’s 250th anniversary.
When you first arrive at the park, you’ll see tents that resemble what an actual encampment would have looked like two centuries ago. Inside the tents are merchandise for sale, like earthenware, powder horns, wax seal stamps, period correct glasses, flags and Revolutionary wear.
What is more impressive is the reenactors who will speak to you as if you are back in the 1770s, describing everything from settling in the New World to fighting their British counterparts to establishing the new USA. It’s a good opportunity to talk to kids about what life was like years gone by, way before video games and Snapchat.
There are activities throughout the day, but when you hear the drums beat in the distance, you know the soldiers are on their way. Trumpets blare. Then cannons fire. Soldiers start running from different directions. Kids will “ooh” and “ahh” like you’re at a fireworks show, especially when the cannons blast. And you will certainly feel the earth shake when the cannons rip – which is quite a few times during the reenactment.
You’re pretty far from the action for safety reasons, but you can still hear the officers yelling commands. You’ll see nurses helping the wounded, and women delivering water to the men who retreat from the front lines. There are frightened fighters running off the battlefield being dragged back to combat, and soldiers “dying” and being pulled off the field, so keep that in mind for your young ones. Some scenes may bring on tears.
Everyone has their phone out to record, but if you keep your eyes moving around the battlefield and pay attention to all the action, you feel transported back to war time and have a real appreciation for our veterans. It’s mind-blowing to think this actually took place on these exact hallowed grounds 240 years ago.
Aside from watching the Continental Army claim victory in one of the longest battles of the American Revolution, you can walk around the encampment, watch a musket firing demo, have kids take part in a musket drill, sit down for historical films inside the Visitor Center, and listen to Colonial music.
Some important things to know before you go:
- The battle lasts about 45 minutes.
- Be aware of any sensitivity to loud noises and the smell of gunpowder.
- Bring headphones for kids and seniors because it gets loud.
- There is a lot of walking across grassy and hilly grounds.
- There is not a lot of shade, so bring chairs, umbrellas and water.
- There are food vendors on site, or you can pack a lunch and sit at the picnic tables.
- There are bathrooms inside the Visitor Center.
The Battle of Monmouth reenactments will take place on June 28 and 20 at Monmouth Battlefield State Park, 20 State Route 33, Manalapan. The camps open to the public at 9 am on both days. The battle reenactment is at 3 pm on Saturday and 2 pm on Sunday, but the schedule of events varies each day. There is a $12 donation per car collected at the entrance gate.
See a preview of the battle on our Instagram page.
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