Monmouth Battle Monument

If you were standing here on the morning of June 28, 1778, you would have witnessed the very first shots of the Battle of Monmouth as the fight began in this spot. Major General Charles Lee arrived with his troops from Englishtown to confront a British rearguard left behind by Lieutenant General Henry Clinton, who had sent other divisions on to Middletown. When Lee engaged the British, Cornwallis quickly turned his forces back and surprised the Continentals, causing confusion and forcing Lee to order a retreat—a decision that later cost him his command.

General Washington took control and redirected the battle as it moved westward, continuing through the oppressive summer heat. Today, a towering 94-foot monument marks this very ground, honoring the fierce struggle that unfolded here. Get close to the monument as it depicts the battle across a series of bronze plaques.